Wild burro deaths under investigation at federal corral

WAYNE COUNTY, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management is investigating 25 burro deaths at the Axtell Off-Range Corral. 

According to the BLM, caregivers noticed several of the burros exhibited signs of respiratory illness and lethargy. They had been handling the animals for routine vaccines, anemia testing, and adoption preparation. 

Burros are more commonly known as donkeys. 

Before the burro deaths, the animals had been collected from the Canyonlands Herd Management Area, according to the BLM. 

What led to the burro deaths?

The burro deaths were reported between March 11 and March 21, 2025. Post-mortem examinations found the animals had bronchopneumonia complicated by streptococcus equi zooepidemicus. 

Bronchopneumonia causes inflammation in the lungs, according to the University of Minnesota. 

Although horses and donkeys are different species, The Donkey Sanctuary said they are susceptible to the same respiratory illnesses. 

According to BMC Veterinary Research, streptococcus equi zooepidemicus is an extremely infectious disease that impacts the upper respiratory tract of horses, burros, and other species. 

“The underlying viral infection causing the death of the animals was identified as a gammaherpes virus,” the BLM press release read. 

Gammaherpes virus is a less common virus, leading to respiratory and neurological diseases. 

“Equine herpesviruses only infect horses, burros, and mules. They are not known to infect people or other domestic species,” the BLM said. 

The BLM compared the situation to a 2016 pneumonia outbreak at Sinbad Herd Management Area. 

Other burros infected, receiving treatment

An unknown number of surviving burros are in quarantine, recovering from the same illness. They are currently receiving medical treatment. 

According to the BLM, other burros at the corral are not showing symptoms. 

After they’ve been cured, the burros will be available for adoption. 

“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 press release read. 

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