OGDEN -- Two Colorado horses that competed in the National Cutting Horse Association's Western National Championships in Ogden have been diagnosed with Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1), and one had to be euthanized.
EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses, but poses no health threat to humans.
Jim Harvey, general manager of the Golden Spike Event Center, said Colorado's state veterinarian told him horses are regularly exposed to the virus and stress, such as traveling long distances, can make them more susceptible.
Veterinarians from both Colorado and Utah said the fact the Colorado horses may have contracted the virus at Golden Spike is not a reflection on the arena, Harvey said.
On Saturday, officials treated both indoor arenas, all 540-plus horse stalls and common areas of the arena, Harvey said.
"We've done our best to be very proactive and upfront with people because we care about the community of horses at large," Harvey said.
A Quarter Horse show that was scheduled for Saturday at Golden Spike was moved elsewhere as a precaution.
Symptoms of the disease usually show up four to six days after exposure. The cutting horse championships were held April 29-May 8 in Ogden.
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