Contagious horse virus found in MN

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — At least three horses in Minnesota have been euthanized because of a highly contagious equine virus that causes neurological problems.

Three cases of the strain, called equine herpesvirus-1, have been confirmed. Two of the horses were euthanized because they couldn't get up, animal health officials said. The other is recovering. Tests are pending on four other horses that showed symptoms of the virus. One of the four was euthanized, the other three are recovering.

The Star Tribune

reports the infected Minnesota horses are in various parts of the state, from north of the Twin Cities to the Owatonna-Winona.

Dr. Paul Anderson who oversees the equine program for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Anderson says a more serious neuropathogenic strain that has shown up in Minnesota in past years, has not been found so far.

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