LCCC taking preventative measures following animal illnesses

CHEYENNE, WYO. — Laramie County Community College officials are taking precautionary steps due to a recent situation with horses housed on the campus.

Within the past two weeks, two horses at LCCC had to be euthanized following an unknown illness, and pathology reports are pending. EHV-1, EHV-4 and other common diseases have been ruled out on those animals.

This week, a horse was diagnosed with strangles, a common equine respiratory disease. Currently, it's not believed that this illness is related to the prior incidents with the other two horses.

After consulting extensively with multiples experts — including the Wyoming state veterinarian and officials from the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the Wyoming State Veterinary Lab, and the LCCC Equine Studies program — the college has decided to isolate the sick animal and proceed with other precautionary measures including no contact with other horses. Additionally, no horses will be permitted to come on or to leave campus at this time.

As part of this protocol, LCCC has decided to reschedule the Shawn Dubie Memorial Rodeo for the spring. It was originally scheduled to take place Oct. 12-15.

LCCC will continue to monitor the situation, and any updates will be shared at lccc.wy.edu/programs/agriculture.

For more information, contact Lanae McDonald, LCCC equine studies instructor and equestrian team coach, at lmcdonaldFREELARAMIE or 307-778-1191.