Equine Herpesvirus Update for Colorado

All Hold & Quarantine Orders Released -/- Additional Equine Import Requirements Expire July 9^th

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s office has released all hold and quarantine orders associated with the recent spread of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) in the state; the disease is considered contained within Colorado and there have been no new confirmed cases since May 20, 2011. 

Horses traveling into the state on and after July 9th, 2011, will no longer need an import permit.  Import requirements for horses entering Colorado will revert to those used before the recent spread of EHV-1.  Those requirements are a health certificate issued within 30 days of their arrival and a negative Coggins test within the last 12 months. 

Colorado had nine 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. 

“This outbreak serves as a good reminder that proper disease prevention efforts are important anytime you travel with livestock. I encourage all livestock owners to implement health and disease control processes on their own farms and ranches,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Keith Roehr. 

Tips for Livestock Owners

1.      If traveling, practice appropriate biosecurity measures.  Biosecurity tips may be found at www.colorado.gov/ag.

2.      Isolate any new animals and those returning to the home premises for three weeks when possible.

3.      Use separate water, feed supplies and equipment. 

Additional resources can be found at www.colorado.gov/ag.