This directive is based on the recommendation of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and the Idaho State Veterinarian in response to the ongoing outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) in other states.
Although there are currently no confirmed cases of EHV-1 in Idaho, ISDA has strongly recommended all equine movement be suspended, and biosecurity measures ramped up to protect Idaho’s horse industry.
Why this measure is necessary:
- EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses, capable of causing respiratory illness, abortions in pregnant mares, and in severe cases, neurological disease.
- The virus spreads not only by direct horse-to-horse contact (nose-to-nose) or airborne respiratory particles, but also indirectly through contaminated equipment, tack, shared water/feed buckets, trailers, and clothing.
- Because of the high risk, and to help prevent any introduction of the virus onto our grounds, the Fairgrounds is taking this proactive step.
What this means for fairgrounds users and the public:
- All planned equine events, riding, boarding, pasturing, arena use by horses, overnight stays of horses, or stabling within the fairgrounds complex are suspended until further notice.
- Anyone who may have recently transported a horse to or from the fairgrounds, or used our arenas with horses, must inform the fairgrounds manager and follow guidelines for quarantine and disinfection.
We ask for your full cooperation as we prioritize the health and safety of our local equine community and the broader livestock environment.
Next steps:
- We will monitor updates from ISDA and the state veterinarian, and will lift or revise this restriction when it is deemed safe to do so.
- We will provide updates via our website, social media, and email to all affected stakeholders.
For more information on the outbreak and recommended biosecurity protocols, please visit the ISDA website.
We appreciate your understanding, patience, and cooperation during this precautionary period. We are committed to keeping our fairgrounds safe for all livestock and equine participants.
