Wild horses are dying in BLM’s care

BLM’s Statement Regarding Horse Fatalities at Ridgecrest Corrals

December 6, 2013

In the past 30 days, the Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Corrals have reported 15 horse fatalities that appear to be related to a single undetermined cause. The Bureau of Land Management is working closely with state and federal animal health authorities along with a local veterinarian to determine the cause and decide the best course of action to protect the health and well-being of the wild horses and burros at the Ridgecrest Corrals.

At this time, the cause of the deaths does not appear to be contagious. The California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in San Bernardino is testing samples from affected animals and feed supplies. Results are still pending.

A wild horse and burro adoption planned for December has been cancelled and no animals have been adopted since October. Animals are not being received or shipped from the facility. The Ridgecrest Corrals have approximately 800 wild horses and burros.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Contact: Stephen Razo (951) 697-5217