San Antonio, Texas, November 21, 2025
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has canceled its Uvalde Qualifier event due to an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in Central Texas. This decision, made in collaboration with professional rodeo organizations, aims to ensure the safety of all equine participants. Although no infected horses were reported at the event, early intervention is deemed essential to protect the equestrian community. The organizers look forward to returning to Uvalde next year and do not anticipate disruptions for the main event in February.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Cancels Uvalde Qualifier Amid EHV-1 Outbreak
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has made the difficult decision to cancel its Uvalde Qualifier event, originally set for November 19–22, 2025, due to a concerning outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in Central Texas. This precautionary measure comes after close collaboration with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), all aimed at prioritizing the safety and well-being of equine participants.
The Uvalde Qualifier is not just any event; it plays a crucial role as a competitive platform for PRCA and WPRA members. It allows rodeo athletes to earn their opportunity to compete in the upcoming San Antonio Rodeo. Although no infected horses had been reported in attendance at the Uvalde event, the decision to cancel underscores the commitment to animal safety and public health within the equestrian community.
Understanding EHV-1 and Its Implications
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a highly contagious virus that predominantly affects horses, but can also impact zebras and donkeys. This virus is known to lead to severe respiratory illness and, in certain cases, neurological disorders, which could be deadly for pregnant mares. Importantly, EHV-1 does not pose any health risks to humans, allowing riders and owners to rest a little easier in the face of this outbreak.
Symptoms of EHV-1 may include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and neurological signs such as stumbling. The virus can spread through direct contact between horses, as well as via contaminated equipment, raising concerns especially among those who participated in related events. Evidence suggests that this recent outbreak might be connected to a large rodeo in Waco held earlier this month, where horses began to exhibit symptoms after attending the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals.
State and Community Response
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has urged all horse owners, trainers, and venue operators who participated in or were near the recent Waco event to remain vigilant, urging heightened biosecurity protocols. Early detection and isolation of potential cases are essential to safeguard the greater Texas equine community and prevent the spread of the virus.
In light of these developments, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo organizers have made it clear that they anticipate returning to Uvalde next year. They also do not foresee any disruptions to the main event scheduled for February. As the equestrian community rallies together to navigate these challenges, ongoing communication about how the Uvalde cancellation impacts the contestant field for February’s San Antonio Rodeo will be forthcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1)?
EHV-1 is a highly contagious virus affecting horses, zebras, and donkeys. It can cause respiratory illness, neurological disease, and, in severe cases, abortion in pregnant mares. The virus does not pose a risk to humans. Symptoms in horses may include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, depression, stumbling, and incoordination. The virus spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact and can also be transmitted via contaminated equipment and human handling.
Why was the Uvalde Qualifier canceled?
The Uvalde Qualifier was canceled due to an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in Central Texas. The decision was made in collaboration with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) to prioritize the safety of equine participants. The cancellation follows guidance from the Texas Animal Health Commission, which recommended the event’s postponement due to the EHV-1 outbreak.
How does EHV-1 affect horses?
EHV-1 can cause respiratory illness, neurological disease, and, in severe cases, abortion in pregnant mares. Symptoms in horses may include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, depression, stumbling, and incoordination. The virus spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact and can also be transmitted via contaminated equipment and human handling.
Is EHV-1 transmissible to humans?
No, EHV-1 does not pose a risk to humans. It specifically affects equine species such as horses, zebras, and donkeys.
What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
Horse owners, trainers, and venue operators who attended or were in proximity to the Waco event are urged to monitor their animals closely and implement heightened biosecurity measures. Early detection and isolation of potential cases are crucial to protect the broader Texas equine community. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo organizers are working on how the cancellation will affect the contestant field for the San Antonio Rodeo in February and will provide additional information once details are finalized.
Will the San Antonio Rodeo in February be affected?
Organizers of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo have stated that they expect to return to Uvalde next year and do not foresee issues for the main event scheduled for February. They are working on how the cancellation will affect the contestant field for the San Antonio Rodeo in February and will provide additional information once details are finalized.
Key Features of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Qualifier Cancellation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Uvalde Rodeo Qualifier |
| Scheduled Dates | November 19–22, 2025 |
| Location | Uvalde, Texas |
| Reason for Cancellation | Outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in Central Texas |
| Organizers Involved | San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) |
| Impact on Main Event | No issues anticipated for the main San Antonio Rodeo scheduled for February |
| Next Steps | Organizers are working on how the cancellation will affect the contestant field for the San Antonio Rodeo in February and will provide additional information once details are finalized |
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