The U.S. Forest Service and AZDA have issued a closure order affecting horseback riders throughout the entire Salt River horse habitat, due to detection of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in Salt River wild horses.
SRWHMG has been paying close attention because of the current outbreaks, and immediately reported symptoms in several horses to AZDA. More than a dozen Salt River wild horses are currently severely ill, appearing lethargic, sweating, sometimes drooling, and showing lesions and scabs around their mouths and lips. (In the picture is Salt River Stallion Jake, who has already lost so much this year and is now alone.) We are working closely with AZDA to protect the health of both the Salt River horses and visiting domestic horses.
We have also had two unexpected, shocking deaths in one day. These horses are currently being necropsied for EHV and any other possible causes, so that we can provide accurate information about what may have caused these deaths, since VSV is not known to be fatal.
Closure Details:
Who it affects: Horseback riders only (horses, donkeys, mules)
Dates: December 6, 2025 – March 6, 2026
Penalties: Fines up to $5,000 and jail time
We will post more updates soon. In the meantime, please let your horseback riding friends know and contact SRWHMG if you notice sick Salt River horses. You may send pictures to our hotline: 480-868-9301. Please give sick horses space and respect.
Precautionary Measures:
Although not included in the closure order, we are asking visitors to change shoes between visiting the river and the hills, as no symptoms have been reported in the hills so far. The very old and very young horses are most at risk — and as many of you know, we have only one 2025 foal.
Thank you for sharing and helping protect the horses.
For the public and by the public, SRWHMG