Reno Rodeo officials expect virus to run its course before event
By Susan Voyles, Reno Gazette-Journal
Reno Rodeo officials said they expect a virus that has afflicted cutting horses at two recent events in Utah and California to fully run its course before the rodeo opens June 16.
With the rodeo almost a month away, “there’s enough time to be relatively sure the outbreak is behind us,” said Joe Coli, a veterinarian with the Comstock Large Hospital and chairman of the rodeo’s animal care committee.
The deadly and highly contagious virus has infected more than 30 horses in nine states and Canada at the height of show season. Horse shows and sales have been canceled, and some competitors are backing out of the professional rodeo circuit.
The Senior Pro Rodeo in Elko has been postponed. The Elko Daily Free Press reported that the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority will work with rodeo producers on rescheduling the event, which had been set for June 1-3 at the county fairgrounds.
