Oregon Expo Temporarily Closes Due to Equine Herpesvirus Outbreak

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — The equine facilities at the Jackson County Expo have temporarily closed following a shutdown earlier this week due to an outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV).

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) issued a Temporary Administrative Order which halted all horse-related activities at the venue. The Expo announced this on its official Facebook page, outlining that the decision was made to ensure the safety of animals, participants, and the public.

“At this time, we are awaiting further guidance from the Oregon Department of Agriculture so we can determine the most appropriate and responsible path forward,” the Expo’s post stated. “We will provide an update when we hear from them.”

The order, titled Temporary Administrative Order Including Statement of Need & Justification DOA 26-2025, Chapter 603, took effect on November 19 and will remain in force through May 17, 2026. It sets requirements for equine exhibitions to help reduce the risk of EHV and lay down protocols to prevent the virus’s spread across Oregon.

According to the ODA, immediate action was necessary because exposed horses have been identified in multiple states. Thus, it is essential to enhance protections while longer-term regulations are developed.

The newly implemented rules require additional precautions for horses entering the state or attending high-risk events. These include health monitoring, record-keeping, and isolation procedures for any animals displaying illness symptoms.

In response to the order, the Expo has introduced a check-in process for safe operations. Riders can sign up for individual sessions at the Isola Arena gate, while organizers of closed-group practices, including OHSET teams and 4-H groups, must fill out a check-in form to submit to Expo operations.

The Expo stated that these measures will help track hygiene and animal health, enabling a quick response if an outbreak occurs. Open riding is still allowed under the new regulations, along with group practices, provided they adhere to standard health and safety protocols. The Expo has urged riders to stay alert regarding their horses’ health and to report any concerns swiftly.