This year’s Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is canceled due to a virus that has plagued livestock in Southern California in recent months.

On Monday, July 31, Rancho Mission Viejo officials announced the cancelation of this year’s annual event that garners about $150,000 for local charities each year.

“This is a difficult and heartbreaking decision, but it is also the correct decision given the continued spread of the vesicular stomatitis virus,” said Tony Moiso, chairman and chief executive officer of Rancho Mission Viejo.

The virus, called VSV, has been a major concern among farms and ranches across the state since the first positive case was reported on May 23 in San Diego County. Since then, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 200 cases have been reported across eight different California counties, alongside places in Nevada, Texas and most recently, Iowa.

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VSV — which is spread by insects such as biting flies, midges and gnats — can affect horses, cattle, swine and other animals. It causes blister-like lesions which can break, leaving the tissue raw, according to the Department of Agriculture. The raw tissue is often so painful, animals refuse to eat or drink, and as a result, become debilitated.

“The safety of our beloved animals and participants has always been — and always will be — our main concern,” said Moiso.

The two-day Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo has been a staple to the Orange County community for over 20 years. It features various cowboy competitions including saddle bronc, bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping competitions, to name a few.

The rodeo has also offered other exciting activities for attendees, including pony rides, a trackless train, bounce houses and face painting.

The rodeo brings more than 10,000 guests to The Ranch and has raised more than $2.8 million for area charities.

In 2022, the event completely sold out, and beneficiaries included CHOC at Mission Hospital and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.

“Although canceling this year’s rodeo is disappointing, our planning team will begin working on next year’s event,” said Gilbert Aguirre, executive vice president of ranch operations for Rancho Mission Viejo. “We hope all of our friends, fans and sponsors will plan to join us in 2024.”

Sponsors, vendors and general admission ticket holders will be refunded, Moiso said.

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