Horse virus has become more deadly; officials suggest precautions

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A horse virus has become more deadly in Wisconsin over the years.

The equine herpes virus EHV-1 normally causes respiratory infections. But there’s also a neurologic form of the disease that affects a horse’s nervous system, and causes death in some cases.

State agriculture officials say the percentage of equine herpes cases with the more severe strain grew from 3 percent in the 1960s to more than19 percent just three years ago.

Officials suggest precautions.

Horse riders and others in barns are urged to wear boots that can be disinfected, and visitors are urged to step in a disinfectant.

Horses are urged to have their own water and feed and workers are urged to wash their hands before handing the animals.

Tags: horse virus, wisconsin, ehv1