Horses being brought into Wyoming must be inspected by a veterinarian within 72 hours of entering the state. The Wyoming Livestock Board ordered the certificates of veterinary inspection effective on Thursday in response to a fatal virus that's infected horses in some Western states but not in Wyoming.
Dr. Ted Vallejos is a Board Certified Specialist in Equine Practice in the State of Wyoming, practicing at the Sheridan Equine Hospital. He explains what the Equine Herpes Virus is.
Dr. Vallejos indicates that implementing good vaccination practices is critical during this outbreak.
Equine Herpes Virus-1 is easily spread because it can be airborne and transmitted by touch or through sharing brushes, bits or other equipment. It doesn't pose a risk to humans. Dr. Vallejos says care must be taken to prevent spread of the virus.
Veterinary Inspection certificates must include the temperature recorded for each horse listed. The Livestock Board says the order will be in effect until rescinded by the State Veterinarian.