SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) penned a letter requesting more information from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator, Dr. Michael Watson, on the highly contagious equine herpesvirus (EHV). Congressman Gonzales also urged APHIS to monitor the recent outbreaks and communicate the relevant protocols and guidance to protect Texas' equine industry. 

Equine Rhinopneumonitis is a highly contagious virus in horses that causes respiratory disease and stillbirths. The letter highlights the recent outbreaks causing a neurological form of the virus with significant morbidity and mortality rates for affected horses.

"From racing, [to] recreation, [to] rodeos, the equine industry is a notable economic driver, adding $177 billion annually to the national economy. In the state of Texas alone the horse population is more than 748,000, the largest of any state, and the industry contributes approximately $6.5 billion in direct value to the state's economy," penned Congressman Gonzales. "The biosecurity of equines is critical to maintaining a major economic engine that fuels state and local economies and protects the way of life for many ranchers."

Texas has seen more cases than any other state, and as a result, major equine events have been impacted.