EIA Update - Uintah Basin

This past week saw the completion of the second phase of the gather of BLM horses in the Bonanza Horse Management Area. Only one (1) horse of ninety-seven (97) was found to be positive for EIA within the Bonanza Unit. However, 51% of the horses tested on BLM ground west of the management unit and on the adjacent White River area of the Ute Reservation were found to be positive for EIA. A total of 84 animals out of 163 tested were positive for EIA in that area. The remaining negative animals in that herd are considered exposed and will be quarantined for 45 days and retested before being released.

The gather of Ute Tribal horses in the Hill Creek area continues as well, where 225 animals have been gathered and only two (2) have tested positive for EIA. Both of those animals are said to have originated in the infected area at White River. The tribe is concerned about the risk to privately owned animals and has focused attempts to have all the threatened animals tested in the White River risk area. State Veterinarian, Dr. Michael R. Marshall, is recommending that all horse owners in the area have their horses tested.

All the positive animals have been eliminated except 22 mares and foals (11 pairs). The foals are the subject of a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros against the BLM. The foals have tested positive as well as their dams. Horse protectionists feel that the foals have tested positive because of antibodies transferred in the colostrum from their mothers, and that, if given enough time, the foals will eventually test negative. This is possible, but the foals are at increased risk for a prolonged time period by being confined with known positive animals. Veterinarians and horse owners are concerned that harboring the animals will place other animals at risk during the vector season.

The Utah State Veterinarian, BLM administrators, and animal rights advocates are working to seek a solution. The animals may not be transported interstate under federal regulations except to an approved research facility or to slaughter. In the meantime, the mares and foals remain confined under quarantine. Horse owners, veterinarians, regulatory officials, and university researchers and administrators have all expressed support for this disease control effort. It is truly unique, both in scope and in the cooperative effort of private, tribal, and government interests. It is the desire of all involved to have a healthy herd free of disease.

Posted 17 June, 1998