The Moose Jaw Exhibition Company has been placed under quarantine by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency starting December 22 due to concerns about an outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). This quarantine follows a widespread North American outbreak that began in rodeo and barrel racing events in Texas and Oklahoma, spreading to multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with about 46 confirmed cases as of early December. Saskatchewan has reported cases in spring 2025, and Alberta confirmed a case in November. EHV-1 primarily causes respiratory illness in horses but can lead to a severe neurological condition called equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which has a mortality rate of around 30 percent.

Horse owners are urged to follow strict biosecurity measures, including monitoring temperatures, isolating sick horses, avoiding shared equipment, maintaining physical distance between horses, and quarantining new arrivals for 21 days. While vaccines exist for some forms of EHV-1, they do not protect against the neurological form, and treatment is supportive only. Suspected or confirmed cases must be reported to the Saskatchewan Chief Veterinary Officer promptly. For more information, horse owners can visit the Saskatchewan government’s animal health website or contact local veterinarians, and the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company is available for inquiries about the quarantine and its effects on events.