The Navajo Nation is currently on high alert as an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) threatens the health of its horses. This follows recent reports linking the virus to equine participants of the 2025 PRA World Finals in Waco, Texas, which took place from November 5-9, as well as the Barrel Futurities of America event in Guthrie, Oklahoma, occurring on November 17-18. According to information released by the Office of the President and Vice President of the Navajo Nation, horses present at these events have been exposed, with confirmed cases arising as of November 18, including one within Doña Ana County, New Mexico.
Amidst concerns that quarantines were not enacted at either event site, the Navajo Nation is encouraging horse owners to proceed with caution. As a preventive measure, the Nation is adopting movement restrictions established by the Arizona State Veterinarian. These restrictions include a shortening of the Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) validity period to five days, the necessity of additional health statements for transported horses, and the institution of a 30-day hiatus on Extended Equine Certificates of Veterinary Inspection. The Office of the President and Vice President reports that EHV-1 can spread via direct contact, aerosolized droplets, shared tack, and even on clothing that's been contaminated.
Early detection is crucial to managing the outbreak, with potential signs of EHM including symptoms such as lethargy, nasal discharge, and limb swelling. More severe indications range from loss of coordination to urine dribbling and reduced tail tone. Horse owners are warned that these symptoms are not exclusive to EHM and thus require a veterinarian's confirmation through testing.
Preventative measures are being advised to mitigate the spread of the virus. The Navajo Nation recommends rigorous sanitation practices, such as washing hands before and after handling horses, disinfecting clothing, and using a 1:10 bleach solution for cleaning equipment and surroundings. Owners are also urged to avoid traveling between barns or facilities and to keep vaccinations up to date for those horses not exposed. Should owners suspect their horse may have been exposed or observe a fever exceeding 102.5°F, contacting a veterinarian promptly is advised. Local vets and animal clinics are on standby, with numbers provided by The Office of the President and Vice President's release for community convenience.
