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Dozens of riders on horseback traditionally begin the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo by galloping across the field and lining up their horses together while the riders raise their hats to cheer.
But this year an equine virus outbreak has forced changes at one of the world’s most prestigious rodeos.
The danger was clear from the beginning: Riders walked out on foot during the grand entrance. His horses were kept safely away with strict health precautions.
Other riders could not bring their horses to the event vegas at all.
Equine herpesvirus 1, or EHV-1, has spread in the past. But this year’s outbreak was of particular concern, with cases rising in the US as it coincided with the 10-day event that ends on Saturday and attracts thousands of horses and their riders.
Horse hotels say their profits have declined because fewer horses are participating and some rodeo events have been canceled.
In many cases, the virus causes cold-like symptoms such as runny nose and cough. But according to state veterinarian Peter Rolfe, it can also cause neurological problems, which can cause horses to stumble or lose the ability to stand and even death. nevada,
Owners should take their horses’ temperatures daily and minimize interactions with other horses, Rolfe said. If a horse becomes ill, it will be immediately isolated. The state will work with owners to return them to their homes for quarantine.
Driving in states with virus cases
The virus has spread to several states and infected at least 60 horses so far, but there have been no cases in Nevada, according to the Center for Equine Disease Communication. In most cases, horses recover, although it may be exacerbated by stress. But those with more severe neurological symptoms have a mortality rate of 15% to 30%.
Christine Weitz, owner of Fly Again Ranch Horse Boarding and hotelwhich provides stable space for horses that compete across the city, said the virus has scared off horse owners, and many have decided not to come this year.
He said, “I think it scared the bejesus out of everybody, and probably everybody who rides horses here, because none of us want our horses to die either.”
Taylor Lawson wasn’t taking any chances. He drove his two horses from New Waverly, texasFor almost 22 hours non-stop. If his horses make the move to the states between Texas and Nevada, he said, they will need new health paperwork and another vet checkup.
“When we stopped for diesel and checked their hay and went right over we offered them water,” Lawson said.
Since arriving in Las Vegas, Lawson has been cautious with her horses, making sure they are not around other horses during roping events at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Casino. spaAn off-Strip casino that hosts dozens of amateur rodeo events during the National Finals Rodeo. his horses, Hollywood And elvisWere living in Fly Again.
“I check their temperature morning and night and as long as they’re eating and drinking and behaving normally, I’m not too concerned about it,” Lawson said.
saddle in place
In an effort to prevent the spread and keep track of horses, Nevada requires an entry permit for every horse entering the state, and a veterinarian must inspect and certify that the horse has not been to a location with a confirmed case of the virus within the past 21 days.
Rodeo organizers at the Thomas & Mack Center – where the official National Finals Rodeo takes place – added more restrictions. According to Alan Rhineheimer, the NFR’s general manager of production, the more than 450 horses living on the property are required to remain there during the festival.
The rodeo, which attracts more than 150,000 people annually, canceled group tours and limited the number of people allowed in the stables because people could get the virus on their clothes or hands if they come in contact with an infectious horse. Walls were erected between stalls to ensure horses couldn’t touch noses and sanitizers were used to clean hoses after filling water troughs, both ways the virus could spread.
“Everyone needs to know that we are doing everything we can to protect the safety of the horses and the health of the horses and all animals,” Reinheimer said.
Safety measures have been taken for thousands of horses
Similar precautions are being taken for the approximately 3,500 horses living at South Point.
Steve Stallworth, general manager of the Arena at South Point, said the equestrian-focused hotel, located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) south of the Strip, had no horses for 17 days before rodeo events began last week.
It has also canceled or modified some events, including the equestrian portion of the annual Miss Rodeo America pageant and the National Finals Breakaway Roping event, which has been rescheduled to take place in the fall. Fort WorthTexas.
Stallworth said staff disinfects and cleans stalls with Symbiont, an agricultural wash, between events and horses are spayed when possible. If a horse becomes ill, quarantine stalls are available on the far corner of the South Point property. The horse will be immediately isolated, and one of the veterinarians overseeing the events will take swabs and test them.
Overall, fewer horses are staying in hotels this year due to concerns about the virus, leading to a slight decline in profits.
“It doesn’t matter what we might have lost,” Stallworth said. “If we save a horse, it’s the right thing to do.”