Cherry Creek Equine

05/09/2026

The insects have arrived. Keep an eye out for slobbering horses

Per Dr. Maggie Baldwin, State Veterinarian, on Friday, May 8, 2026:

Please see the notification below regarding the index case detection of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in a horse in Montezuma County, Colorado. At this time, we are asking for producers and livestock owners to monitor their livestock and contact their veterinarian if they notice any blisters/sores that may be VSV. It is also important to note that there may be movement restrictions in place for horses and livestock moving interstate and internationally. We will also be sending a press release out on Monday. We are currently working on updating the VSV webpage, so please be patient as we get some of those resources updated.

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Colleagues,

We are sharing an important update with you below regarding the index case of VSV in Colorado. Below we include important information for you on reporting suspect cases, sample collection and submission, as well as guidance on movement requirements.

We will maintain up-to-date information on our VSV Webpage, including updated guidance documents and case information. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out directly to our office.

~Dr. Maggie Baldwin

Vesicular Stomatitis Confirmed in Colorado

Colorado has become the second state in the country to have a confirmed case of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) this year. On May 7th, 2026, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) reported positive test results on samples submitted from one horse in Montezuma County. The premises where the positive horse resides has been placed under quarantine. The horse was initially examined by the local accredited veterinarian who contacted the state after suspecting VSV. The area field Veterinary Medical Officer with CDA then completed a foreign animal disease investigation and samples were submitted to the USDA NVSL.

The positive horse is currently the only symptomatic animal among a small group of horses and cattle on the premises. Presenting clinical signs in the affected horse were lip and tongue lesions. Increased midge activity was noted by the owner in the week prior to the onset of symptoms. The premises is under state quarantine and will remain so until at least 14 days from the onset of lesions in the last affected animal on the premises.

Fifteen previous positive cases of vesicular stomatitis in 2025-26 have been diagnosed in multiple counties in Arizona since October 2025. Please see the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services VSV website to read the current situation report for all confirmed cases in the US.

What Veterinarians Need to Know

Report any cases that have clinical signs suggestive of VSV to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130. Reporting cases as quickly as possible will benefit your client and is the best way to reduce the negative implications to other owners.

NON-EQUINE CASES: All suspected VSV in non-equine cases (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, camelids) must be investigated by state or federal animal health officials.

EQUINE CASES:

Hold Order: If you suspect VSV, in addition to reporting the case to the State Veterinarian’s Office, inform the owners that they are under a Hold Order which means that livestock cannot leave the premises until testing is done or the State Veterinarian releases the Hold Order. Once testing is completed, we will send a quarantine order to the owner if the samples test positive. Call our office if you have any questions on the restriction of livestock movement into and out of that facility.

Lab Submission: Now that the index case has been confirmed in Colorado, the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (CSU VDL) in Fort Collins has been activated for VSV testing through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). CSU VDL in Fort Collins will be able to receive and test samples for equine species only with VSV compatible clinical signs from accredited veterinarians.

• When you call to report the case to the State Veterinarian’s Office, you will be given a case investigation number that must be included on the lab submission form. Here is a link to the General Sample Submission Form. Check the box on page 2 for VSV testing and circle CF and PCR.
• Read the Sample Submission Process page for more detailed information about submitting samples.
• Keep samples refrigerated after collection and during transit to the laboratory. Ship samples using Priority Overnight shipping (First Overnight is very expensive and is not needed).
• Cost for PCR and CF testing is $125 ($55 for PCR, $70 for CF) per horse.

Sampling: When sampling a horse for vesicular stomatitis, you must obtain a minimum of two samples.

• Serum (for complement fixation antibody testing) - at least 2mL in a red top or other sterile tube. If possible, centrifuge the sample and separate serum from the clot (submit only the serum).
1. Note: CF test can be negatively impacted by red blood cell lysis so transporting the sample to the lab quickly or separating off serum is important
• Sterile swab (for PCR virus testing) - (Dacron/polyester with a plastic shaft) of lesions placed in a red top, screw-cap or other sterile tube with a maximum of 3mL TBTB media. Make sure the tube lid is secured so fluid does not leak out of the tube. Do not use wooden shafted swabs as they contain PCR inhibitors and cannot be accepted. If TBTB is unavailable, swabs can be placed in 1mL of sterile saline or other virus transport media as an alternative, although TBTB is preferred. Do not submit swabs in bacteriology culturettes.
• Additional samples to the swab may include:
1. Vesicular tissue (epithelium) placed in a screw-cap tube with no more than 3ml TBTB media or 1mL sterile saline
2. Vesicular fluid (from unruptured vesicles) placed in a screw-cap tube.

Supplies: TBTB media will be made available to accredited veterinarians for sample collection for Equine VSV cases. Please contact one of the following:

1. CDA Animal Health Laboratory
300 S Technology Ct, Broomfield, CO 80021
(303)869-9230
2. Colorado State University, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
Fort Collins: 2450 Gillette Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Ph. (970) 297-1281
Rocky Ford: 27847 Road 21, Rocky Ford, CO 81067
Grand Junction 3164 B1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504
3. The State or Federal field veterinarian in your area

Health Certificates

Colorado veterinarians and livestock owners should contact the state of destination when moving livestock interstate to ensure that all import requirements are met. States may impose certain restrictions for horses and livestock coming from VSV affected states, including a timed-CVI or additional requirements. Some states may also turn off the eeCVI function in Global Vet Link and may not allow equines to move on a trip permit. Always check with the state of destination prior to movement.

If the destination state requires you to certify that the livestock do not originate within a specified distance of a VSV-quarantined premises (for example a 10-mile circle), call our office at 303-869-9130. One of our staff can map the location of your client and the location of the nearest quarantine so you can ensure they meet the destination state requirements.

IMPORTANT: Canada restricts movement coming from VSV-affected states. Equine and livestock are not permitted to move from a VSV-affected state directly to Canada. Those equine and livestock must go to an unaffected state for a minimum of 21 days prior to being eligible for export to Canada.

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Background

Vesicular Stomatitis is a viral disease that primarily affects horses and cattle and occasionally swine, sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas. The transmission of VSV is not completely understood, but includes insect vectors such as black flies, sand flies, and biting midges. The incubation period ranges from 2-8 days. Clinical signs include vesicles, erosions, and sloughing of the skin on the muzzle, lips, tongue, ears, teats, sheath, or coronary bands. Often excessive salivation is the first sign of disease, along with a reluctance to eat or drink. Lameness associated with coronary band lesions or weight loss related to painful oral lesions and reluctance to eat may follow.

Some species of wildlife (e.g., deer and elk) may be susceptible to VSV. If you encounter a sick or deceased wild animal or have other wildlife-related questions, please contact your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office.

Humans may become infected when handling affected animals or contaminated fomites, but this is a rare event. To avoid human exposure, individuals should use protective clothing and gloves when handling affected animals and their equipment. Advise any symptomatic animal owners of affected premises to seek care and notify their healthcare provider of exposure to VSV. There are no routine tests or specific treatment for VSV in humans. VSV infection in humans is not reportable to public health unless infection in animals is also suspected and has not been reported to the State Animal Health Official.

Resources:
USDA APHIS Vesicular Stomatitis Factsheet
CDA Vesicular Stomatitis Information
Vesicular Stomatitis Guidelines for Shows and Fairs
Vesicular Stomatitis Guidelines for Veterinarians
Vesicular Stomatitis Guidelines for Horse Owners

Colorado Department of Agriculture | 305 Interlocken Pkwy | Broomfield, CO 80021 US

04/02/2026

The vast majority of foundered horses suffer from the inability to properly metabolize sugars in their diets. The disease is called Equine Metabolic Syndrome. We recommend screening all horses over age 14, as well as overweight horses at least yearly for the condition. Preventing laminitis is much better than treating it, both for the wellbeing of your horse, as well as for your wallet!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAUSES GRASS FOUNDER?

Spring is a wonderful time of the year, but it may be the beginning of some serious problems for horses vulnerable to grass founder — like horses that are over the age of 10, easy keepers, overweight or cresty-necked.

Laminitis or founder, as it is commonly called, is inflammation of the laminae of the horse’s foot. Laminae are the delicate, accordion-like tissues that attach the inner surface of the hoof wall to the coffin bone (the bone in the foot). A horse suffering from laminitis experiences a decrease in blood flow to the laminae, which in turn begin to die and separate. The final result is hoof wall separation, rotation of the coffin bone and extreme pain. In severe cases, the coffin bone will actually rotate through the sole of the horse’s hoof where it becomes infected and can ultimately lead to the horse having to be euthanized.

Laminitis can be triggered by different causes, like repeated concussion on hard ground (road founder), grain overload, retained placenta, hormonal imbalance (Cushing’s syndrome), obesity, and lush grass.

In cases of grass founder, the sugar fructans produced by rapidly growing grass stimulates an overgrowth of bacteria in the horse’s large intestine. The bacteria produce and release toxins (endotoxins) that are carried by the bloodstream to the foot where they cause damage to the laminae and small blood vessels.

The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing and managing the causes under your control. Consult your equine practitioner for further information and to formulate a plan tailored to your horse's individual situation. If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately.

03/13/2026

Remember when your parents used to tell you to wait 30 minutes after eating before going for a swim? Unlike us, horses can actually benefit from eating forage before they exercise, as it may help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

While a variety of factors can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers (medications, diet, stress, etc.), one train of thought is that these areas of irritation result as a consequence of the acid of the stomach splashing against unprotected parts of the stomach lining. When a horse eats forage, the hay can help absorb some of that acid and thus reduce the risk of ulcer formation.

It is important to note that a forage meal (one comprised of long stem hay) provides the most benefit, while eating large volumes of concentrate feeds (such as oats, corn, or other cereal grains) can actually increase the amount of acid within the stomach.

As always, please be sure to consult with your veterinarian regarding further diagnostics and treatments if you have concerns that your horse may have gastric ulcers.

Thank you to the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

03/08/2026

Interesting read for a Sunday morning…

Protected natural areas across Europe are changing. Climate change, with rising temperatures and heavy rainfall, is turbocharging the growth of shrubs and trees, choking the flowers and insects that need the light and heat of open spaces. Traditionally, this scenario prompts nature managers to reach...

02/23/2026

A Quarter Horse mare in Weld County, Colorado, has tested positive for EIA.

02/23/2026

Awesome summary. Look before you treat!

Everything you need to know about treating gastric ulcers (glandular and squamous) in horses, from clinical signs to treatment.

02/20/2026

IT'S QUIZ TIME! ✍️ Do you know which condition is the leading cause of equine lameness cases? Drop your answers in the comments. ⬇️

The answer is "C" - Osteoarthritis!

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of lameness in horses, accounting for about 60% of lameness cases. It’s a progressive joint disease where the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down due to wear and tear, injury, or inflammation. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones in the joint start to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

In horses, OA often starts with inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) or the joint capsule (capsulitis), which can speed up cartilage damage. Early and effective management of this inflammation is important because it can help slow the progression of the disease and protect the joint.

Treatments for OA in horses focus on relieving pain and inflammation (symptom-modifying drugs) and, when possible, slowing or changing the course of the disease itself (disease-modifying drugs).

While OA can’t be reversed, prompt attention and ongoing care can help horses stay comfortable and active, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life even with this chronic condition.

02/01/2026

Here we go again 🙁

📣 EHV-1 Neuropathogenic/EHM Update—The following is directly from the Arizona state veterinarian. As always, we’ll update again if new travel requirements are released.

“The AZDA was notified by the attending veterinarian Wednesday night that two horses from Pinal county displaying neurologic signs tested positive with point of care EHV-1 tests on samples collected that evening. On Thursday, AZDA began reaching out to event organizers requesting information of attendees / registrants or contact info for messaging. On Friday 1/30/2026, one of the two hospitalized horses was humanely euthanized due to progressive neurologic deterioration. Confirmation of EHV-1 (neuropathogenic) by the reference lab was reported Friday afternoon. The events where exposure to the affected horse(s) or dangerous contact (exposed) horses of the affected horses (ie. other horses from the premises of origin of the two clinical horses) are as follows:

January 18, 2026 – Horseshoe Park Extreme Barrel Race
January 20, 2026 – ICE Wittmann Breakaway Roping
January 21, 2026 – Roper Nation Breakaway Roping
January 21, 2026 – John Volken Academy Ranch
January 23, 2026 – TACC Thunderbird Farms Arena
January 24, 2026 - Horseshoe Park Extreme Barrel Race
January 27, 2026 – TACC Thunderbird Farms Arena

As always, many horses even in a normal population may be completely asymptomatic intermittently shedding herpes virus and a smaller subset of those will be shedding neurotrophic herpes (and still may be asymptomatic). Given the extensive show history that has already occurred it's difficult to be on the leading edge of this like the horses returning to Arizona from the Waco, TX and Guthrie, OK events at the end of November where quarantine of returning horses was more feasible. In the current situation the best course of action for your clientele if they have had horses at these historical events would be to encourage re**al temperature monitoring twice daily with logging the results to chart trends, prompt reporting of any signs consistent with EHV-1 (respiratory or neuro) infection to their attending veterinarian and testing (nasal swab and whole blood PCR) if indicated, and voluntary self-quarantine from attending any new shows for the next 14 days.”

01/30/2026

Nice explanation

01/26/2026

Found a new event…for those of you with “iron” horses!

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