Nevada agriculture officials say two horses in Clark County "are showing clinical signs" of equine herpes virus.
In addition, the state says a new positive case in Idaho was at a recent barrel racing event in Utah and may have exposed other horses.
“Two horses in Clark County are being tested today for EHV-1,” State Veterinarian J.J. Goicoechea said. “In the meantime, I am recommending, along with my counterparts in Arizona, Idaho and Utah, that horse owners do not travel to barrel racing events in the region.”
Dr. Goicoechea and state veterinarians in neighboring states continue to monitor in cooperation with horse event and venue managers. At this time, only barrel racing events, a specific rodeo competition event, are included in the recommendation.
“We may issue more recommendations throughout the day and weekend,” Dr. Goicoechea said. “But if you don’t have to travel with your horse this weekend, it’s best to stay home and protect your horse, as well as the rest of the competing horses in the west.”
Horse owners in Nevada and surrounding states are warned to watch for signs of fever, cough, or runny nose in any animals that may have been exposed.
It can be spread through contact with exposed animals, people, equipment and vehicles.
Veterinarians are required to report EHV-1 cases to the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
