Colorado Dept of Agriculture EHV-1 Update – Bent County Horses Monitored

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture continues to investigate the spread of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) in the state.  Status as of 5/19/2011:

8 confirmed cases of horses with EHV-1

Two horses, which tested positive for EHV-1, were euthanized after showing severe neurological signs associated with the disease.

22 suspect cases. Suspect cases are those horses that are believed to have been exposed to EHV-1 but confirmatory tests are still pending.

10 quarantine and hold orders have been issued in 6 counties (Bent, Boulder, Larimer, Mesa, Morgan & Weld)

Colorado State Fair Horse Shows Cancelled

Colorado State Fair organizers have voluntarily cancelled three equine events following the spread of EHV-1.

Zamora Roping originally scheduled for May 20-22, 2011. Reschedule date pending.

Mounted Shooting Regional originally scheduled May 27-30, 2011. Rescheduled for October 7-10, 2011

Sagebrush Slide Cow Horse Show originally scheduled June 1-5, 2011. Rescheduled for August 10-14, 2011

 “We decided to reschedule these events to limit the number of horses traveling to and from our fairgrounds,” said State Fair General Manager Chris Wiseman. “Our horse shows are important to the Fair and to Colorado as a whole and we want to be proactive in protecting our horse community.”

Lamar, COLORADO, May 19, 2011:  The Prowers County 4-H Horse Committee has cancelled the 2011 Memorial Day Horse Clinic scheduled for May 28-30 in Lamar, Colo.  The clinic is cancelled as a precautionary measure resulting from the announcement this week that Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) was discovered in Western States.  Should you have any questions about this disease please contact your local veterinarian immediately.  If you have questions about the cancelled Memorial Day Horse Clinic please contact the CSU Extension Prowers County Office, (719) 336-7734.  All pre-registered participants have been contacted and notified of the event cancellation.