EHV-1 Reported At Culpeper Event
The Virginia Horse Center Foundation has canceled this week’s Lexington Spring Premiere Horse Show following concerns about a contagious equine virus.
The event, which had been scheduled to begin Thursday, April 23, was called off Tuesday after guidance from U.S. Equestrian Federation and the Virginia state veterinarian regarding horses that recently competed at a show in Culpeper.
VHS officials cited an abundance of caution and a focus on horse welfare in the decision.
The cancellation follows confirmation of a case of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) at the HITS Culpeper horse show held April 12-19. EHV-1 is a highly contagious virus that can spread among horses through close contact.
“We remain steadfast in prioritizing horses’ safety above all else,” the Foundation said in an emailed press release.
Prior to the cancellation, the horse center had announced strict biosecurity measures and entry restrictions, including barring any horses that had been on the Culpeper grounds or exposed to them. Requirements also included health certificates, temperature monitoring and disinfection protocols for trailers and facilities.
The Virginia Horse Center statement said that the Lexington Spring Encore Horse Show, scheduled for next week, will “move forward as planned with enhanced, industry-leading biosecurity protocols,” with additional preventative measures in place, in partnership with Merck Animal Health.
