FORT WORTH, Texas — Everything a cowboy could ever want is usually easy to find in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, from the sights, the sounds, and the unmistakable feel of Texas tradition. But this weekend, something major is missing.

For the first time in years, horses are nowhere to be seen inside Cowtown Coliseum, all because of a fast-spreading and potentially deadly equine virus.

“It’s a huge shift for sure,” said Zach Sprague, the Director of Production for Cowtown Coliseum.

The outbreak surfaced after veterinarians reported cases linked to the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco.

Veterinarians reported multiple cases of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) shortly after the event, prompting swift action across the state.

“It’s hard to get ahead of if you don’t ju

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