Multiple Oklahoma events cancelled as highly contagious horse virus spreads

By Jessie Christopher Smith and Kristina Wood /USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Summary:

– Two EHM cases in Oklahoma linked to Texas rodeo events.

– Barrel Futurities championship canceled amid virus concerns.

– Officials urge isolation, disinfection and symptom monitoring.

GUTHRIE ― A major horse racing event is being canceled in central Oklahoma after cases connected to an outbreak of a highly contagious horse virus were confirmed in the state.

Two positive cases of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, or EHM, compelled officials to cancel the remainder of the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship “in the best interest of all the contestants,” the organization said. The event was originally planned to run Nov. 17-22 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie.

“We