Lawrence Christmas parade canceled due to highly contagious horse virus

A yearly holiday tradition in Lawrence was canceled Tuesday because of a highly-contagious equine virus outbreak spanning several states. The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, which was scheduled for Dec. 6, was canceled as a result of an outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in eight states across the country, according to a news release from the board of directors for the parade.

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), equine herpesviruses are common in horses worldwide. The viruses can cause respiratory disease, abortion or neurological disease.

Common symptoms of an EHV respiratory disease can include fever, coughing, nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, anorexia, conjunctivitis and lower limb swelling, according to the AAEP.

No cases have been reported in Kansas as of Tuesday, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC).

However, the disease is highly contagious, and veterinarians and equine health experts recommend limited travel and avoidance of large gatherings during outbreaks, according to the news release.

“The health and safety of the horses and our community comes first, always,” Marty Kennedy, president of the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas-Parade, said in the news release. “Canceling this year’s parade was an extremely difficult decision, but it is the responsible one.”

Humans are unaffected by the virus, but can spread it to horses through “contaminated hands, clothing and equipment,” according to the EDCC. Additionally, the virus can be contracted through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as “stalls, water, feed, tack and transport vehicles.”

The outbreak originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event in Waco, Texas, according to the EDCC.

States with confirmed cases of the EHV include Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington, according to the EDCC.

Kennedy said the parade would be back next year, “bigger and better than ever.”