Cotton Days

Junior Rodeo Cancelled (Millcreek Ranch Press Release Below)

April 16, 2019

Due to the EHV-1 outbreak in the equine community this spring, we are concerned about exposure to horses in Southern Utah. EHV-1 is a dangerous and potentially deadly virus. Many events including; rodeos, ropings, horse shows, and barrel racings have been canceled this spring due to equine herpes concerns. We feel it is in the best interest of the competitors and their horses to cancel the Cotton Days Jr. Rodeo, scheduled for April 23rd. Below is a quote from the Utah State Veterinarian, Dr. Barry Pittman on April 14, 2019. "Equine Herpes Virus 1 and another form of that virus called the Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy, That is a mutant strain of the EHV-1 virus that is a little more severe and it causes neurological signs, it’s really the one we have the most fear of.” There have been multiple cases and deaths due to this virus. The Jr. High rodeo horses were first exposed February 22-23 in Pahrump, NV. Then exposed horses traveled to the Washington County Fairgrounds in March. An Idaho, horse was confirmed at an event in South Jordan, Utah on March 15-17 which had multiple local horses in attendance that were potentially exposed. A horse from California and another from Clark County tested positive for EHV-1 and were placed under quarantine after competing in the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stallion Stakes at the South Point Equestrian Center March 30 to April 6. As a result, Nevada State Veterinarian Dr. JJ Goicoechea recommended on April 13th that Nevada horse owners do not travel or compete with their animals. Many Nevada horses attend our local events. Dr. Bo Beck requested the Utah High School Rodeo Association cancel their April 5-7 rodeo. The Southwest Barrel Racing Association canceled their race on March 30th and April 13. The Washington County Barrel Racing Association canceled their races on April 1st and April 16th. There are additional events not mentioned in Utah that have been canceled due to this outbreak. For more information the Equine Disease Communication Center website is http://www.equinediseasecc.org/. The outbreak in 2012 caused the death of 160 horses. The 2019 cancelations are recommended to stop the spread of the virus. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for understanding.

We look forward to hosting next year.

-Ron Larsen

Millcreek Ranch

Ron Larsen

785 South Marlar Court 35 West

Washington, Utah 84780

Phone 435-862-1993