BLM investigating deaths among wild burros at Axtell Off-Range Corral in Utah
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AXTELL, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management is investigating illness and deaths among wild burros recently gathered from the Canyonlands Herd Management Area in Wayne County. The burros (or donkeys), gathered between Feb. 24-28, 2025, were transported to the BLM Axtell Off-Range Corral and remain isolated from other animals at the facility. In total, 25 burros died due to the illness. There have been no additional deaths since Mar. 21, 2025.
During routine handling for vaccination, equine infectious anemia testing, and preparation for the adoption process, caregivers observed several lethargic burros exhibiting signs of respiratory illness. The first deaths were reported on Mar. 11. Veterinarians worked with the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory on post-mortem examinations. Necropsy results identified the cause of death as bronchopneumonia, complicated by a secondary infection with the Streptococcus equi ssp. Zooepidemicus bacterium. The underlying viral infection causing the death of the animals was identified as a gammaherpes virus.
All living affected animals are receiving medical treatment, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms and reduce fever. As a precaution, exposed burros received a long-acting antibiotic to reduce the risk of secondary infections. The burros remain under quarantine away from other animals at the facility until they recover and receive a clean bill of health from the attending veterinarian. No other burros at the corrals are showing any symptoms – indicating that it is not spreading beyond the recently gathered animals.
The BLM remains committed to the health and welfare of wild burros and continues to work closely with veterinary professionals across the state and nation to ensure appropriate management practices are in place.
The current situation is similar to an outbreak of pneumonia that occurred among burros from the nearby Sinbad Herd Management Area in 2016, when the Asinine gammaherpesviruses 4 and 5 were identified as the underlying cause.
While gammaherpesviruses occur in domestic donkeys and horses, they are not the more common type of herpesviruses that usually cause respiratory or neurologic disease in equines. Equine herpesviruses only infect horses, burros, and mules. They are not known to infect people or other domestic species.
Any additional information will be posted on the BLM Utah Gathers and Removals website. The burros will be available for adoption following their recovery and medical treatment.
To learn more about how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro, visit the BLM National Wild Horse and Burro website or call 866-468-7826. For additional information regarding the gather, please contact Lisa Reid at 435-743-3128.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.