National Finals Rodeo In Las Vegas Faces Uncertainty Amid Equine Virus Outbreak
on Dec 02, 2025
Horse Virus Threatens NFR Events In Vegas
An expanding equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) outbreak has prompted organizers of the upcoming Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) to quickly reorganize, resulting in major shifts to the schedule.
The 2025 NFR will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning on December 4 through the 13 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The 10-day event will showcase the top 15 professional rodeo competitors in each of the seven events as they compete for world championships.
What Is EHV-1?
EHV-1, or Equine Herpesvirus type 1, is also known as equid alphaherpesvirus-1, according to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Outbreaks typically occur when horses return from major events and transmit the virus to their stall and barn mates. The highly contagious disease can affect horses in a variety of ways, with the severity of illness differing from animal to animal.
Symptoms range from fevers and runny nose to more serious neurological issues.
NFR Events Pivot As A Result Of EHV-1
While the competition has yet to begin, the highly contagious virus strain has already disrupted companion and preliminary competitions, leading to unprecedented veterinary supervision.
The National Finals Breakaway Roping, originally scheduled for December 2-3 at South Point Arena just outside of the Las Vegas strip, was relocated to Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas and rescheduled to December 22–23.
The Benny Binion Bucking Horse & Bull Sale carried on as normal, but without live animals, depending on videos and photos instead.
Competitors must present a veterinary inspection certificate issued within seven days of arrival and obtain a unique entry permit from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Inside the Thomas & Mack Center, horses will receive daily temperature checks and are banned from leaving or attending other events during the Finals. Officials have called the venue a “sealed bubble” aimed at halting the virus’s spread.
Horse Shows Nationwide Impacted By The Virus
Horse owners across the nation have been affected by the outbreak, postponing events and quarantining animals out of necessary precaution.
The Texas Department of Agriculture also issued a warning about the virus, forcing rodeos across Texas to cancel shows or pivot their entertainment to feature other animals.
The outbreak originated in Waco, Texas, during the Women’s Professional Rodeo World Finals from November 5–9.
Within weeks, cases were confirmed across multiple U.S. states and into Canada. As of December 1, the Equine Disease Communication Center reported 60 cases linked to the outbreak.
