Horse activities at fairgrounds to resume

The La Plata County Fairgrounds is reopening to horse-related activities after it was closed May 16 because of an outbreak of equine herpes virus in Colorado.

The only reported case was in Rio Grande County, but the La Plata County facility was closed as a precaution because horses may have been exposed at other competitions.

According to the Durango Herald, the county consulted with the state of Colorado veterinarian’s office before making the decision to reopen.

The state agriculture department said last week that one horse was euthanized after developing neurological problems because of the virus.

The horse that tested positive and other horses competed in National High School Rodeo and Colorado Junior Rodeo Association events in Henderson, Eagle and Rocky Ford in recent weeks.