Horse industry holds its breath over virus outbreak

Greeley Stampede officials, rodeo promoters, horse owners and others involved in the equine industry are holding their collective breath that an outbreak of deadly equine herpes virus (EHV-1) won’t result in a full-scale assault on local horses and the cancellation of more horse-related events in Northern Colorado.

Of particular concern is the potential impact on the annual Stampede, which makes a huge economic contribution to the region, particularly in Greeley.

“The worst-case scenario for us, should there be a significant number of outbreaks, is that it would really hurt the participation of our rodeo contestants and others at the Stampede,” said Bill…