Warning for Horses that Attended the National Western Stock Show Rodeo

If you took your horses to this event please be aware the Colorado Department of Agriculture has been placed a quarantine on seven horses after they confirmed a case of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1).

According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture a six year old gelding from Texas that was part of a team of quarter horses used during the National Western Stock Show rodeo, began showing clinical signs of EHV-1 on the 27th and the diagnosis was confirmed on the 28th.

The affected gelding was immediately isolated and a hold order has been placed on six additional horses who may have had direct contact with the horse.

Experts recommend horse owners who traveled to the NWSS and participated in events in the coliseum should monitor their horses for clinical signs and contact their veterinarian immediately if their horse becomes ill or has a fever.

• Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise, it can cause respiratory, neurological disease and death. While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable.

Keep in mind this is not transmissible to people. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. The virus can also spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands.