In many horses, the only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected. | Photo: Stephanie L. Church/The Horse

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) confirmed equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), in a Montgomery County barrel racing horse on May 9.

The horse showed signs of ataxia and other neurologic signs consistent with EHM when evaluated by a veterinarian. The horse’s home facility is under movement restrictions and TAHC staff members are working closely with the owner and veterinarian to monitor potentially exposed horses and implement biosecurity measures.

Prior to confirmation, the affected horse attended barrel racing events at the Oklahoma City Fair Grounds on April 28-30 and the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor, Texas, on May 5. TAHC staff members have been in contact with event management and veterinarians to ensure enhanced biosecurity measures are taken on the premises and event participants are notified