EHV-1 Protocols: Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to Arizona and Vegas

With the EHV-1 outbreak raising concerns across the country, the Ariat World Series of Team Roping and partnering veterinarians are reinforcing entry and movement requirements for ropers traveling to Arizona and Nevada.

While horses are still permitted to travel freely to both states, ropers need to be aware of the updated health certificate timelines, quarantine considerations, and paperwork standards now being enforced.

State-to-State Travel

There are no state shutdowns in place between Arizona and Nevada. Horses are still permitted to travel to both Arizona for any warmup ropings and the Ariat WSTR Finale at the South Point in as Vegas.

Competitors are reminded that state health certificate timelines differ, and compliance is mandatory for entry.

Health Certificate Requirements

Arizona

• Five-day health certificate required for all horses entering the state. Seven-day will not be accepted.
• Certificates must include a statement verifying the horse has not been on a quarantined or EHV-1 positive location.
• This applies to all horses entering the affected states, including Colorado, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Nevada

• Seven-day health certificate required for horses traveling directly into Nevada.
• Certificate must include state-issued entry permit number, entered by the veterinarian into the official database.
• This requirement applies to all horses entering Nevada, regardless of origin.

 If You Stop in Arizona Before Heading to Nevada

Any horse that unloads in Arizona for any amount of time—whether for a roping, layover, or rest—must obtain a new health certificate issued from Arizona before entering Nevada.

Veterinary teams will be available at Rancho Rio, Buckeye Equestrian Center, and other warmup ropings to assist in issuing certificates onsite.

Ropers should:

• Bring a 12-month Coggins test in hand (digital or printed, printed preferred).
• Allow additional time for processing paperwork.
• Expect state and event animal health staff to verify paperwork at arrival.

Returning to Arizona After the Finale

Horses returning to Arizona following the Finale may use their existing Arizona-issued health certificate if no new restrictions are announced.

If positive cases or quarantines occur at South Point, new movement restrictions could be enacted by the Arizona State Veterinarian. Updates will be communicated promptly through WSTR and official state channels.

What Ropers Should Do

• Check your route: Determine if you’ll be stopping in Arizona before heading to Nevada.
• Verify certificate timelines: Five days for Arizona, seven days for Nevada.
• Print your Coggins: Bring a hard copy to streamline verification.
• Plan ahead: If unloading in Arizona, allow time to obtain a new health certificate before proceeding.
• Stay informed: Follow The Team Roping Journal and WSTR updates for new information as the situation evolves.

Key Contacts and Resources

• Arizona Department of Agriculture – Animal Services Division: agriculture.az.gov/animals/animal-services (opens in a new tab)
• Nevada Department of Agriculture – Animal Disease Laboratory: agri.nv.gov (opens in a new tab)
• WSTR Updates: wstroping.com (opens in a new tab)
• Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale Information