SALT LAKE CITY — The state veterinarian said Wednesday it appears the outbreak of equine herpes virus — which originated in Ogden and led to the cancellations of numerous events in the United States and Canada — appears to be over.
Dr. Bruce King said the state has seen no new cases of the potentially deadly virus since the end of May and three quarantined facilities in Box Elder, Davis and Kane counties have since had that order lifted. The remaining four will be released from restrictions between now and the end of June if there are no other cases, King added.
Although he stressed it is safe for rodeos, horse shows and parades to continue as planned, the All Horse Parade — a staple tradition of the Days of ′47 celebration — remains canceled this year.
Parade Chairman Merl Thurgood said it's just too late in the planning process to jump-start the event, which attracts riders and their horses from multiple states.
"There is no time at this point to put the parade together," Thurgood said. A tentative date has been set for July 17 of next year.
Equine herpes is not transmitted to humans and is not a sexually transmitted disease. Horses get it through nose to nose contact or through the sharing of tack or other equipment.
Although a normal strain of herpes is typically present in all horses and causes no problems — much like the herpes virus that causes cold sores for people — this emergent strain attacks the animal's central nervous system.
It is extremely contagious and is deadly if not caught early. Symptoms include lack of balance, lethargy and loss of control over the hindquarters.
The outbreak was first detected after a cutting horse competition at Ogden's Golden Spike Arena, where numerous horses throughout the country and Canada were competing.
It spread to more than 30 horses in both countries and led to several fatalities. The National Cutting Horse Association temporarily suspended its competitions to avoid spread of the virus and local events were forced to adopt unorthodox alternatives in lieu of bringing their animals to compete. In one rodeo queen event, the young women rode stick ponies in barrel racing.
King said such cause for fear should be over because enough time has passed since the May event. He does say equine owners should remain vigilant in the care of their animals, practicing good "biosecurity" habits.
More information is available at www.ag.utah.gov.
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