Publication Date: December 1, 2025, 05:21h.
Updated on: December 1, 2025, 05:24h.
In an unexpected twist, equine herpes has become a leading cause for canceling Vegas getaways. The ongoing outbreak of equine herpesvirus type‑1 (EHV‑1) has prompted event organizers for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) to make significant calendar adjustments.
Though the main Finals are still set for December 4–13 at the Thomas & Mack Center, the highly infectious virus has already impacted preliminary and companion events, resulting in exceptional veterinary protocols.
The Benny Binion Bucking Horse & Bull Sale proceeded at South Point, but without any live animals, relying on videos and photographs instead. Other companion events, such as the PRCA Permit Challenge, have been postponed. The National Finals Breakaway Roping, initially planned for December 2-3 at South Point Arena, has been moved to Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, now scheduled for December 22–23.
Events Affected by the NFR
| Event | Status | Location | Biosecurity / Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Finals Breakaway Roping | Postponed & relocated | Cowtown Coliseum (Fort Worth, TX), Dec. 22–23 | Moved from South Point; horses prohibited from Vegas for companion events |
| Benny Binion Bucking Horse & Bull Sale | Modified | South Point Arena, Las Vegas | No livestock; sale conducted through video/photos |
| PRCA Permit Challenge | Postponed | South Point Arena, Las Vegas | Delayed due to outbreak concerns |
| Main NFR (Dec. 4–13, 2025) | Still scheduled | Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas | 7-day CVI; Nevada entry permit; daily temperature checks; on-site quarantine; no travel to other events |
Containing the Virus
Organizers state that the Finals can proceed under stringent quarantine measures. All horses must present a veterinary inspection certificate dated within seven days of arrival and secure a unique entry permit number from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Once at the Thomas & Mack Center, horses will undergo daily temperature checks and are barred from leaving the venue or participating in other events during the Finals. Officials have described the venue as a “sealed bubble,” aimed at halting the virus’s progression.
The outbreak first surfaced from November 5-9 in Waco, Texas, at the Women’s Professional Rodeo World Finals. Within weeks, cases were reported in multiple states and even Canada. As of December 1, the Equine Disease Communication Center confirmed 60 cases related to this outbreak.
EHV‑1 is transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated gear, and human interaction. Symptoms can include respiratory distress, abortions, and critical neurological conditions that may lead to paralysis.
Impact of NFR on Las Vegas
Contractors and veterinarians recognize the high stakes involved. If a single horse tests positive during the Finals, the event could face immediate cancellation.
About 170,000 to 180,000 attendees visit the NFR over its 10 days (including 15,000 to 20,000 per performance night). This includes roughly 100,000 out-of-state guests in addition to local attendees. The Cowboy Christmas trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center attracts over 200,000 visitors, elevating the total event attendance to approximately 400,000, with an estimated economic impact of $100-$150 million in direct expenditures on accommodations, food, shopping, and tickets.
The 2025 Finals will be remembered by the rodeo community not merely for the arena performances, but also for the extraordinary precautions taken off the field to ensure the event’s continuity.