A quarantine at the Cañon City Rodeo Grounds has been lifted after a horse was found infected with the equine infectious anemia virus in late 2018.
According to a press release from the Cañon City Rodeo Association, the horse that was infected was put down and all exposed horses have been completely cleared after repeated negative Coggins tests.
The Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office and the Federal Department of Agriculture originally implemented the quarantine Dec. 4, 2018, and lifted it at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15.
“We are happy to announce that only one horse was ever infected because we moved swiftly and followed strict protocol to ensure the safety of all other horses,” the association stated in its press release. “No other horses on the grounds (or) in the community were infected.”
The quarantined began after a horse tested positive for the virus, which has no vaccine or cure and attacks a horse’s immune system.
The association thanked the cooperation, communication and efforts of Dr. Lisa Eskridge of Eskridge Veterinary Clinic, the state and federal vets, the boarders, Lynn Stock and the association’s vice president Georgia Stanton for their joint efforts to immediately take the necessary actions and precautions after the virus was discovered.
During the association’s meeting Friday, the board announced new rules after the quarantine period, working with state and federal veterinarians to develop the policy.
Those rules include:
— All horses will have proof of ownership, vet health check, and negative Coggins tests within six months prior to entering the rodeo grounds. Paperwork must be checked by the rodeo association official staff prior to entry.
— All above paperwork mandatory for all events, including the Royal Gorge Rodeo. Plan to come early this year due to vet checks of paperwork at the gate. All stock contractors will have to meet these same requirements.
— All cattle will have to have proof of TB tests.
— Rabbits, sheep, etc. (all animals) will need vet check paperwork and any required species-specific tests done within 60 days to enter the grounds. Animals will be checked at the gate for 4-H events and every event that has animals.
— All dogs entering the grounds must have their rabies shots with proof. Puppies who have not had all of their shots may not enter the grounds.
— Boarded horses will be mandated to have Coggins tests drawn every six months.
— Overnight layovers and boarders: No new horses will be admitted after 8 p.m. unless by special appointment with Lynn Stock or Georgia Stanton. Do not enter the grounds with any animals before our staff clears you at the gate.
— No stallions allowed on the grounds at any time.
— Minors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. No running, shouting, or boisterous behavior that can spook horses.
— Absolutely no off-road vehicles are allowed, with the exception of rodeo grounds work vehicles that have been approved by the Cañon City Rodeo Association.
The association stated that it received praise from the state and federal officials for how the organization handled the case quickly and took the steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
“We always want the Cañon City Rodeo Grounds to continue to be a safe place to bring your horses and animals. Our upgraded rules and regulations are for the safety of your animals along with ours per state and federal guidelines,” the association stated in its press release
For more information, email royalgorgerodeo@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.
