FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth Herd cattle drive is temporarily suspended after an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 in Texas prompted city officials to halt the event. The daily cattle drive, held in the Stockyards, is scheduled to resume November 28 once officials determine it is safe for the horses involved.
The suspension is described as a precautionary step to protect the health of the horseback riders and horses that guide the longhorn steers down East Exchange Avenue each day. City officials and the Fort Worth Herd program confirm the virus poses no risk to people and does not affect the longhorns used in the drive.
Equine Herpesvirus-1 is a contagious illness that can impact horses through respiratory symptoms and, in some cases, neurological complications. Recent cases reported elsewhere in the state prompted multiple organizations to limit horse movement and temporarily cancel equine activities.
The Fort Worth Herd program says the cattle drive remains on track to return November 28, with ranch hands continuing to monitor guidance from state veterinarians and livestock health officials. The Stockyards’ other attractions and events continue as normal.
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