S.D. horse groups postpone events on virus concerns

Officials: EHV threat no greater than past years

BELLE FOURCHE — A nationwide outbreak of a common horse virus is getting in the way of some rodeo events in the Black Hills.

Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), a viral infection that can cause death in horses but poses no threat to humans, was recently diagnosed in dozens of horses that attended the National Cutting Horse Association Western National Championship Event in Ogden, Utah, held from April 29 to May 8.

As of June 2, 84 cases of EHV had been confirmed across the U.S. in connection with the cutting horse competition, according to a study from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Four South Dakota horses went to the competition, but South Dakota State Veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven said none were showing signs of EHV. One horse in Gregory County was diagnosed with EHV-1 in late May, but that horse had not gone to the competition and has since been quarantined to prevent the spread of infection. Read More…