For Release: Dec. 9, 2005
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332; (530) 260-2675 (cell)
CA-N-06-16

BLM WILD HORSE AND BURRO CORRALS TEMPORARILY CLOSED

The Bureau of Land Management's wild horse and burro corrals near Susanville have been closed to the public while veterinarians and BLM officials look into a disease outbreak that has caused the deaths of more than 40 horses.

"Our veterinarian has completed autopsies and collected blood and tissue samples so we can work to verify what we are dealing with," said Kathy Stangl, associate manager of the BLM's Eagle Lake field office. "While equine diseases are not transmitted to humans, we will keep the corrals closed to prevent the possibility of a visitor transmitting the disease to their own horses by carrying the bacteria or virus home on shoes or clothing."

Stangl said corral crews have been following veterinarian recommendations and treating horses with medication since October, when animals began showing signs of the upper respiratory bacterial infection, streptococcus-equi, commonly called "strangles." Most commonly, the symptoms are similar to a human cold, and include runny nose, cough and congestion. In rare cases, the disease can worsen, damaging internal organs and causing death. The disease can not be transmitted to people.

BLM officials said that 46 horses have died since early October.

"At this point we don't know if we are dealing with a severe form of strangles, another disease, or some combination," Stangl said. "We are committed to protecting the health of these animals. We are working closely with our veterinarian to determine the best treatment."

Currently there are about 900 horses in the corrals. The animals are held in large pasture-sized pens ranging in size from about five acres to more than 20 acres.

The animals were gathered from BLM rangelands as part of the BLM's work to maintain wild herd populations in balance with other range users. Horses and burros in the facility are offered for public adoption on site, and offered to the public at adoption events throughout California and across the United States.

-BLM-

_______________________________________
Eagle Lake Field Office 2950 Riverside Dr. Susanville, CA 96130