Ranchers across the Rio Grande Valley are on alert after the Texas Department of Agriculture announced that cases of a contagious virus found in horses were reported in the state.

The Texas Department of Agriculture said veterinarians began reporting cases of the Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 after a barrel racing event in Waco earlier this month. As of Thursday, the Equine Disease Communication Center reports 19 confirmed cases in Texas.

According to the USDA, the virus causes neurological and respiratory diseases in horses that can be fatal. Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 can also induce abortions or stillbirths in horses.

Harlingen resident Emma Smith said she's worried about the outbreak in central Texas.

“It can be passed on just through the air, it can be passed on through contact, it c

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