Racing officials warn of horse-infecting virus

Officials with the Idaho State Racing Commission have confirmed that several horses in Utah, New Mexico and Arizona have tested positive for Vesicular Stomatitis Virus.

All facilities with confirmed cases of the virus are in quarantine and under observation, but officials in Arizona are worried infected horses at a racetrack in that state are already on their way to racetracks elsewhere.

In order to stop the spread of the virus, the Idaho State Racing Commission is requiring horseowners to obtain an entry permit for any horse from one of the affected states.

While rarely fatal, a Chubbuck veterinarian told Local News 8 the virus is contagious and typically lasts for around two weeks.

“Animals that do get it will develop small sores in their mouths, on their teats and on their feet,” said Dr. Christy Maddock, an equine veterinarian with Alpine Animal Hospital.

“You’ll actually just notice drooling, not wanting to eat ’cause those sores are gonna be very far back, or sometimes you’ll just see lameness, shifting weight,” said Maddock.

Maddock said she doesn’t think the virus will spread to Idaho based on the efforts the state is taking to contain it.

But just in case, she said horseowners should be on the lookout for symptoms, in both their horses and themselves.

“There’s a small chance that humans can get it as well. It’ll cause flu-like symptoms in humans. That chance is very low,” said Maddock.