Boise, Idaho --- An early May outbreak of equine herpes has forced veterinarians to euthanize two animals in the Treasure Valley.
The disease was eventually traced to a cutting horse competition in Ogden, Utah, where it is believed to have originated. However, after two weeks of monitoring local livestock, vets and trainers are slowly getting ready to lift a voluntary quarantine.
The disease has threatened local horse shows, rodeos, and even the local racetrack where veteran horse trainer Joie Schoole shoes horses and is getting ready for the grand opening of Boise Downs (formerly Les Bois Racetrack).
"It's here in the valley, so a guys got to be aware of it, and you know, cautious of it," Schoole said while fitting a young mare with special aluminum racing shoes.
What Schoole doesn't want to see is any of his expensive race horses sick with equine herpes. The viral infection can kill horses and spreads through water, saliva, and even people's hands.
For more information on the disease, visit the Nampa Equine Hospital's news page: http://www.idahoequinehospital.com/blog/?cat=3
Even though no horse at the Boise track has been linked to the disease, Boise Downs management says they've been extra wary of the problem, and in constant contact with veterinarians to better understand the signs and symptoms of an outbreaks.
What does Schoole think about it?
"There's not much you can do but keep your horses at home and keep them away from other horses until everybody gets control of it," Schoole said.
That also happens to be the official recommendation from the Idaho Equine Hospital in Nampa.
Since equine herpes is extremely contagious, the hospital staff has cautioned local horse owners to closely monitor their livestock and consider a voluntary livestock quarantine for another week.
Dana Leavitt practices a different type of monitoring when it comes to local horses.
Leavitt actually monitors hundreds of horse owners who visit Flynn's Saddle shop in Boise, where she's the manager.
Leavitt says equine herpes has lately put a stop to some local rodeos and horse shows -- including the Jordan Valley Rodeo -- leaving her regulars "chomping at the bit" when it comes to showcasing their riding skills in competition.
"It's affecting the western riders, the English riders, the furriers who are shooing horses -- the trainers," Leavitt said.
The good news?
Leavitt says she hasn't heard of any new outbreaks have since early May, and the recommended quarantine from Idaho's Equine Hospital ends next week.
In the mean time:
"Lay low, keep your horses at home and let's just wait it out another week," Leavitt cautions.
