Equine Virus Causes Event Cancellations

An outbreak of an equine virus has resulted in the cancellation of some events that were planned for Park County in the next couple of weeks.

There has been a positive case of Vesicular Stomatitis in the Powell area, as well as several suspected cases. As a result, the organizers of the Northwest College Trapper Stampede Rodeo this weekend in Cody, and the Play Day at the Boot and Bottle Club Saturday have been cancelled, as has the Trail Horse Challenge that was scheduled for September 14th.

Local Veterinarian Dr. Ted Vlahos says Vesicular Stomatitis is a contagious disease that affects horses, livestock, and even humans. The disease is caused by a virus, which although rarely life threatening, can have a financial impact on the horse industry.

Symptoms of the disease include blister-like sores which develop on the tongue, mouth lining, nose or lips. If you have an animal that you suspect is infected, you should immediately contact your veterinarian for testing.

Also, because of the possibility of human infection, care should be taken when handling infected animals or suspected infected animals, including wearing gloves, washing hands and clothing after handling animals, and sanitizing any equipment, including shoes.