An outbreak of horse herpes originating in Waco, Texas, canceled the 50th Annual Racer Rodeo and its activities.
Murray State University Rodeo Coach Matt Papszycki told WKDZ radio station it was because of an outbreak at an event in Waco, Texas.
“We’re postponing the rodeo until we can figure out the severeness of this outbreak down there because we don’t want to bring it to Kentucky,” Papszycki said. “I’m praying for all the people that are involved … Hopefully they get a control on it here quick and we can move forward. I hate that we had to do it, but it was the right thing to do.”
Papszycki told WKDZ that tickets bought for the rodeo will be good for the rescheduled event in early 2026, and are refundable.
The Murray State University Rodeo Team Facebook page said that exact date for events canceled are to be determined.
Those events are the 50th Annual Racer Roundup College Rodeo, the 2025 Fall Barrel Series Finale and the High School Rodeo.
The page also said Murray State itself has not been affected at this time, and assures the proper precautions are being taken to keep the horses and those who compete safe and healthy.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have been impacted by this outbreak,” the Rodeo Team said in a post. “And additionally, we would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support as we navigate through this difficult. The health and safety of our horses will always be our number one priority.”
The horse herpes virus affecting Waco, Texas is is EHV-1. According to the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine website, horses affected with the virus will develop a fever, possibly nasal discharge and is expected to recover.
It is “typically” diagnosed with nasal swabs or blood samples by polymerase chain reaction, which will amplify the DNA of the virus, making it detectable.
However, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the virus can progress into Equine Virus Myeloencephalopathy.
EHM is a neurological disease syndrome where the virus will damage blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord.
Sid Miller, Texas Department of Agriculture commissioner, alerted Texas, urging those involved in the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco to act swifty and monitor their animals.
“This virus can spread fast,” Miller said. “It can be deadly and the earliest signs are often so subtle they’re easy to miss. That’s why monitor your horses right now is critical. The quicker we identify a case, the better chance we have to protect not only our animals, but the entire Texas equine community.”
