The state has confirmed two horses positive in Bottineau County. Six more are presumed positive. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

On Oct. 29, prior to the outbreak, North Dakota’s Brand Inspection Enforcement Team notified the NDBAH of a shipment of bucking horses that had been brought into the state without required Coggins testing, health certificates, or brand certificates. The horses exhibiting neurologic signs reside on pasture a quarter-mile from the Bottineau County location where these illegally imported horses reside, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center.

The affected horses were quarantined in December 2019 following one horse confirmed positive and one that died, with two additional horses affected but unconfirmed.

Of the eight current cases, two horses have died, three were euthanized, and three are recovering with mild neurologic signs, including hind-limb ataxia (loss of control of bodily movements) and/or urine dribbling. Four abortions were also reported as of Jan. 10, including by one of the deceased horses. None of the mares or foals on the premises were vaccinated