TYLER, Texas — The equine industry is on high alert as a potentially deadly virus spreads across Texas. The outbreak is forcing events to shut down and horse owners to take extra precautions, including in East Texas.

"We love our horses, just like a dog or a cat or anything like that. So it's very devastating and heartbreaking," said Kim Brunson, riding instructor at the Brunson Equestrian Center.

Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) is an aggressive virus that can be potentially fatal in horses that show symptoms, ranging from fever and respiratory issues to serious neurological problems.

"The horse may become recumbent, get down and not be able to rise again. So yes, it's a pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty virulent strain of the virus," said Bud Dinges, state of Texas veterinarian

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