Western states, Canada warned of fatal horse virus

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Agriculture officials say horses in Canada and at least four Western states have contracted a fatal equine virus after attending a national competition in Utah.

Utah state veterinarian Bruce L. King told the Salt Lake Tribune that at least eight horses in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, California and Canada have been infected with a serious, neurological strain of Equine Herpes Virus-1.

The virus is easily spread because it can be airborne and transmitted by touch or through sharing brushes, bits or other equipment, but it doesn't pose a risk to humans.

Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, tail limpness, hind-limb weakness, poor balance and lethargy.