Uvalde, Texas, rodeo Qualifier Canceled Amid Equine Herpesvirus-1 Outbreak
The San Antonio qualifier for the Rodeo On SI competition, scheduled to take place in Uvalde, Texas, has been canceled due to a confirmed outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The cancellation impacts rodeo athletes vying for qualification and adds to growing concerns among horse owners nationwide.
This outbreak presents a notable disruption for competitors preparing for the Rodeo On SI finals and underscores the vulnerability of equine events to infectious disease. Affected owners are facing considerable stress,and further announcements regarding the situation are expected in the coming days. EHV-1 can cause respiratory illness, neurological disease, and even death in horses, prompting swift action to contain its spread.
Neurological signs associated with the EHV-1 outbreak include a wobbly gait, urine retention or dribbling, bladder atony, and, in severe cases, recumbency with the inability to rise. While less common, some horses may exhibit cranial nerve deficits, seizures, or brainstem signs. Often, these neurological symptoms are preceded by fever and/or respiratory issues, along with incoordination in the hind limbs-and occasionally the forelimbs-leading affected horses to lean against stable surfaces for support.
Rodeo On SI has pledged to keep owners informed as the situation develops. “Our hearts break for those of you dealing with this and the stress it is indeed bringing to owners across the United States right now,” a statement from the association reads.
