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 said 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.