Fairgrounds closed to equines due to EHV-1

Citing the desire to protect the public and their horses, the Big Horn County Commission has closed the fairgrounds to all equine use due to a nationwide outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1). The outbreak has been linked to barrel racing and rodeo events in Texas and Oklahoma in late November. In their latest press release, Wyoming Livestock Board reported it had not confirmed a case of EHV-1 in the state, though a Colorado horse reported to have contracted EHV-1 participated in events in Cheyenne, Casper and Wheatland Nov. 15-16. The horse traveled to Waco, Texas for a competition and tested positive for the virus on Nov. 20. 

County Clerk Lori Smallwood sent out notices on Dec. 2 to those with a membership for the Basin fairgrounds’ indoor arena, FFA and 4-H groups and various media outlets. 

The notice states that the entire grounds are closed to equine use. Smallwood said that the county consulted with local area veterinarians, the Wyoming state veterinarian and the county attorney before making the decision to close.  

“We are doing this to protect the animals and the public. It would be horrible if a child or person lost a horse because they were exposed at our fairgrounds,” Smallwood said.  

She added the county realizes the closure is inconvenient for all that use the fairgrounds. The county will monitor the situation very closely. The grounds will be reopened for equine use once the State Veterinarian and local vets believe the risk of exposure and illness has subsided. 

In order to prevent the spread of EHV-1, WSLB recommends looking for signs of fever (above 101.5 ºF) in horses that have recently traveled to an event. Wyoming State Veterinarian Hallie Hansel added in an interview with the Powell Tribune that any horse that has been travelling or exposed to travelling horses should be kept from events for 14 to 21 days from last possible exposure date and travel should be limited unless entirely necessary. 

Signs of infection include nasal discharge and neurological symptoms such as difficulty walking, lethargy or inability to stand. EHV-1 spreads through contact with nasal discharge, so biosecurity measures such as maintaining separate equipment, water and tack and maintaining distance between horses and diligent disinfection are recommended. 

If signs of infection appear, horse owners should contact their local veterinarian. Vets are required to report confirmed cases to the state. As the weather gets colder, Hansel expected the virus to dwindle. It can survive for longer time periods without a host in warmer temperatures. Vaccinations, while not 100% effective, are available for EHV-1. 

Memberships for the indoor arena will be extended for the number of days the facility is closed.  The calculation of credit days started Dec. 5.  The county is also offering refunds to those with membership should they not want to wait until the facility reopens. The refunds will be based on the days the membership may not be used because of the closure. Those wanting to discuss a possible refund may email lori.smallwood@bighorncountywy.gov or call 307-568-3911. 

Smallwood asked that people be patient as they work through the outbreak. She reminded everyone that the county is doing what is best to protect the animals and families that use the fairgrounds. 

 Horse owners whose animals traveled to Texas or Oklahoma should immediately contact WSLB at (307) 777-7515 or (307) 840-1389, or email lsbforms-applications@wyo.gov for specific guidance on isolation and monitoring.