Benbrook Equine Community on Alert as EHV-1 Cases Rise Across North Texas.

Benbrook horse owners are keeping a close watch on their barns this week as new cases of EHV-1, a contagious equine herpesvirus, continue to surface across the North Texas barrel racing community.

Russell Feed and Supply in Benbrook reached out to customers with a message of support, noting the stress of an outbreak and encouraging horse owners to follow strict biosecurity practices.

Local veterinarians are echoing that call for caution. Burleson Equine Hospital confirmed multiple positive EHV-1 cases and several suspected cases showing neurologic symptoms. The State of Texas Animal Health Commission is monitoring the situation, and veterinarians warn that the number of affected horses is likely higher than early reports.

For now, experts agree that the most crucial step is reducing movement. Owners are urged to keep horses home, postpone hauling, and avoid clinics, shows, and any situation where horses from different barns mingle. Daily temperature checks are essential, since fever is usually the first sign of trouble, often appearing before nasal discharge or neurologic changes.

Horse owners should contact their veterinarian right away if a horse shows fever, weakness, difficulty urinating, incoordination, tail tone changes, or reduced appetite. Early care can make a significant difference in recovery.

Veterinarians also stress that while vaccines do not prevent neurologic EHV-1, they can lower viral shedding and lessen barn-wide spread. Boosters may help previously vaccinated, non-pregnant, or younger horses, but owners should not vaccinate any horse that may already be exposed or running a fever.

Biosecurity remains critical. That includes isolating sick horses, avoiding shared water buckets and grooming tools, and disinfecting trailers, crossties, and thermometers.

Both Russell Feed and Supply and Burleson Equine Hospital are continuing to share updates as the situation develops.

Owners can follow Gursky Veterinary Services for step-by-step biosecurity guidance, read the ACVIM consensus statement, review EHV updates from the Texas Animal Health Commission, or hear a current outbreak overview from Dr. Justin High.

As the equine community works to limit the spread, local veterinarians encourage calm vigilance, close monitoring, and early communication to keep horses as safe as possible.