Equine

Equine Welfare Assistance Grant Accepting Applications

Applications are open for this year’s cycle of the Equine Welfare Assistance Grants, offered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Welfare. 

"The Division of Animal Welfare is committed to enhancing the welfare of all animals in the state of Colorado," said Joe Stafford, Director of the Division of Animal Welfare. "This grant allows us to enhance equine welfare throughout Colorado by funding projects and programs led by members of the equine community."

Ten Projects Selected for First Equine Welfare Assistance Support

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Welfare has selected ten applicants to receive a total of $200,000 to help improve the well-being of Colorado’s domestic horses. During the competitive grant process, a panel consisting of horse experts reviewed more than 30 applications requesting more than $1M in funding, and selected projects that would have the greatest impact on domestic equine welfare. 

Equine Welfare Program Seeks Input on Grants

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s new Division of Animal Welfare is seeking input from people with expertise on horse, donkey and mule welfare to help shape the new Equine Welfare Assistance Grant program. Stakeholders can provide comments by taking a brief survey to help inform how to develop the grant program, which will award a total of $200,000 to projects that promote the well-being of Colorado’s domestic equines. The survey closes on September 18.

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Weld County Horse

The Colorado State Veterinarian’s office has confirmed the first case of equine West Nile Virus (WNV) of 2023 in a gelding residing in Weld County. The horse presented with sudden neurological symptoms including weakness, stumbling and recumbency and was euthanized as a result of his condition. The age and vaccine status for this gelding are unknown.  

FDA Issues Advisory Warning About Recalled Alfalfa Following Equine Deaths Linked to Feed

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) are cautioning horse owners not to feed Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes with the date codes 111222, 111322, 111422, 111522, and 111622. Consumers who have products marked with those date codes or who are unsure of the date code should throw them away in a secure container and follow the handling and cleaning instructions below.