ASOTIN, WA – The Asotin County Fairgrounds Arena has been closed for 21 days due to an outbreak of equine herpesvirus, or EHV-1, officials announced. The closure is effective immediately and will remain in place until at least December 10, or until veterinary guidance determines it is safe to reopen.

During this period, no horses or other livestock may enter the fairgrounds, and the arena will be closed to all incoming traffic. Officials said the action is being taken out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of the local equine community.

Horse owners are urged to continue practicing heightened biosecurity measures. Horses that travel frequently should have their temperatures checked twice daily, and any horse showing a fever should be isolated immediately.

The Lewiston Roundup Association also announced last week that scheduled events, including barrel races on November 22 and December 6, have been canceled at the Lewiston Roundup Grounds.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, EHV-1 primarily causes upper respiratory illness and can lead to abortions or stillbirths in pregnant mares. In some cases, it can cause a neurological condition called equine herpes myeloencephalopathy, which may be fatal. Horses infected with EHV-1 that do not develop neurological symptoms generally recover without lasting effects.

Officials thanked the community for their understanding and cooperation as efforts continue to contain the virus and keep horses safe.