State officials confirm equine herpes (EHM) case in a Parker County donkey

Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-29

The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed a case of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy — the neurologic disease linked to equine herpesvirus — in a weanling donkey at a Parker County horse rescue on June 24, according to an Equine Disease Communication Center report. Clinical signs began June 17 with extreme lethargy and labored breathing, followed by fever, an elevated heart rate, diarrhea and discolored areas of the mouth; the donkey was eventually euthanized. TAHC said epidemiological investigations indicate the exposure does not involve large equine events such as rodeos, and that staff are working with the owner and veterinarians; exposed animal owners have been notified and placed under a hold order until further assessment. The agency noted EHM, a potentially fatal disease, saw an outbreak in November after it was found in a Texas quarter horse that had competed at a rodeo in Waco. Thirty EHM cases with neurological signs have been recorded in Texas, with twelve confirmed in Oklahoma and additional cases reported in Louisiana, South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington. Officials urged equine owners to practice strong biosecurity, monitor their animals closely and consult a veterinarian immediately if signs appear.

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