Horse Herpes Threatens National Finals Rodeo in Vegas
Posted on: December 1, 2025, 05:21h.
Last updated on: December 1, 2025, 05:24h.
Of all the unexpected reasons to cancel a Vegas vacation, horse herpes is moving up in popularity. A widening outbreak of equine herpesvirus type‑1 (EHV‑1) has forced organizers of events tied to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) to scramble, reshaping the calendar significantly.
While the Finals themselves remain scheduled for December 4–13 at the Thomas & Mack Center, the highly contagious virus strain has already sidelined companion and preliminary competitions and triggered unprecedented veterinary oversight.
The Benny Binion Bucking Horse & Bull Sale went forward at South Point, but without live animals. (Buyers relied on video and photos instead.) Other companion events, including the PRCA Permit Challenge, were postponed outright. And the National Finals Breakaway Roping, originally scheduled for December 2-3 at South Point Arena, was relocated to Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Tex. and rescheduled to December 22–23.
Impacted NFR Events
| Event | Status | Location | Biosecurity / Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Finals Breakaway Roping | Postponed & relocated | Cowtown Coliseum (Fort Worth, TX), Dec. 22–23 | Moved from South Point; horses barred from Vegas for companion events |
| Benny Binion Bucking Horse & Bull Sale | Modified | South Point Arena, Las Vegas | No livestock; sale conducted via video/photos |
| PRCA Permit Challenge | Postponed | South Point Arena, Las Vegas | Delayed due to outbreak risk |
| Main NFR (Dec. 4–13, 2025) | Still scheduled | Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas | 7‑day CVI; Nevada entry permit; daily temp checks; on‑site quarantine; no travel to other events |
Reining in the Virus
Organizers argue that the Finals can continue because horses are being admitted under unprecedented quarantine protocols. Competitors must present a certificate of veterinary inspection dated within seven days of arrival and obtain a unique entry permit number from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Once inside the Thomas & Mack Center, horses are subject to daily temperature checks and cannot leave the grounds or travel to other events during the Finals. Officials describe the venue as a “sealed bubble,” designed to prevent the virus from spreading.
The outbreak began November 5-9 in Waco, Tex. at the Women’s Professional Rodeo World Finals. Within weeks, cases were confirmed across multiple states and into Canada. As of December 1, the Equine Disease Communication Center reported 60 cases linked to the outbreak.
EHV‑1 spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated equipment, and even human contact. Symptoms range from respiratory illness to abortions and, most critically, neurological disease that can cause paralysis.
NFR’s Vegas Impact
Contractors and veterinarians acknowledge the stakes are high. If even one horse tests positive during the Finals, the event could be shut down immediately.
Approximately 170,000–180,000 attend the NFR over its 10 days (including 15,000–20,000 per performance night). This includes 100,000 out-of-state visitors, plus locals. Cowboy Christmas (the accompanying trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center) draws an additional 200,000+ visitors, pushing overall event footfall to 400,000, with an economic impact of between $100-$150 million in direct spending on hotels, food, shopping and tickets.
For the rodeo community, the 2025 Finals will be remembered not only for the competition inside the arena, but for the extraordinary measures taken outside it to keep the show alive.
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