The sport of rodeo requires animals to cross state lines, which often results in potential exposure to sick horses. Therefore, it is vital to stay updated on recent disease outbreaks. Viral diseases are the LARGEST concern for infectious disease outbreaks. A vaccine can protect a horse from showing clinical signs (being sick) or allow their body to adequately fight the infection before it causes negative health issues, but it should be noted that NO vaccine is 100% effective. Recently, in Wyoming there was an outbreak of the neurological form of "Rhino" virus. This caused numerous barrel races, rodeo practices, public, and private arenas to shut down for 3-6 weeks. |
Below is a little back ground information on "Rhino" to help you better understand this specific virus.