The staff at American Cowboy, based in Boulder, Colo., is paying close attention to the outbreak of the Equine Herpesvirus/Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy. With numerous recorded cases in our county and surrounding counties, we’re watching for the latest from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, as well as national veterinary experts. Horses can be infected by direct nose-to-nose contact or the virus can be carried from one horse to another on shared water buckets, tack or even the clothes and hands of human caretakers. The virus can cause weakness, particularly in the hind limbs, high fevers, gait abnormalities, difficulty defecating or urinating, and respiratory issues. The disease can be fatal.
As part of Active Interest Media’s Equine Network, we’re also looking to our sister publications to keep us informed. Our Web site, EquiSearch.com, is loaded with updates on the EHV-1/EHM outbreak. And check SpinToWinRodeo.com for updates on the outbreak and full listings from around the rodeo and team roping industries. While some smaller rodeos, trail-riding associations, and other equine organizations across the country have canceled or postponed events, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (prorodeo.com) has not.
The Equine Network is your trusted source of information in this difficult time for the horse industry. If you’ve had an experience with EHV-1, visit to our Facebook page, Facebook.com/AmericanCowboyMagazine, and share your story.