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Threat of equine virus looms over nation's largest rodeo event in Las Vegas

This year the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas faced an equine virus outbreak, with riders walking the grand entry on foot during the 10-day event that draws thousands of horses and spectators.
At least 60 infected horses have been reported across several states, but Nevada has no cases, the Equine Disease Communication Center says; Peter Rolfe, Nevada state veterinarian, noted EHV-1 causes coldlike symptoms and can cause neurologic issues with a 15% to 30% mortality rate.
Nevada requires entry permits and vet inspections certifying horses weren't at confirmed-case locations within 21 days, while the Thomas & Mack Center restricted over 450 horses to stalls with walls and sanitized hoses.
Last week some competitors couldn't bring horses, forcing canceled events and reducing horse-hotel profits, while Taylor Lawson, competitor, kept her two horses isolated after a nearly 22-hour drive.
Given the animal-health stakes, owners must monitor horses' temperatures daily, isolate and test sick horses, and receive state assistance for transport and quarantine this year.

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Multi-State Equine Virus Threat Looms Over Las Vegas Rodeo Events

The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas is proceeding under heightened scrutiny due to an ongoing multi-state outbreak of an equine virus, specifically Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The highly contagious virus, which can cause respiratory symptoms or, in its more severe neurological form (EHM), paralysis and death, has infected at least 60 horses across several states. Despite the widespread cases, the Equine Disease Communication Center co…

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