EHV1 puts horse events on hold in Pendleton
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – An outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 primarily in Texas has had repercussions throughout the West. Because infected horses can spread the virus for an extended period of time, several horse-related events – including the Breakaway Roping Finals – have been cancelled and owners are urged to take precautions.
While there have been no cases reported in Oregon, Pat Beard says equine events for the Pendleton Convention Center and the Blue Mountain Equine Center are postponed for the time being out of an abundance of caution.
“EHV-1 is equine herpesvirus,” he said. “It’s a respiratory issue with horses and has an incubation period of 14 days. We’re well past that.”
The disease spreads among horses through direct contact, airborne transmission in distances less than 30 feet, and indirect contact with people and equipment.
“Quarantining and reducing exposure is vital because the virus spreads easily and can transmit from horse to horse before any clinical signs appear,” Dr. Jared Janke of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine said. “Preventing the movement of exposed horses helps cut off main transmission routes.”
He also pointed out that grooming equipment, water, and feed sources or other tools should not be shared between infected and healthy horses. The virus can survive for several weeks.
EMG file photo of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Blue Mountain Equine Center
