Show Advise To County Horse Owners I Darrell Stokes Davis County Extension agent received last week some very timely advise in one of the Extension Service Bulletins from the Utah State University University University sity in Logan DR DON W. W Thomas veterinarian said owners should be on the lookout lookout lookout look look- out for symptoms of brain fever in m their horses We have had two strains of a virus in the state for some time causing what we call Eastern or Western Equine brain fever in Utah horses Vaccines are available either one strain or Bivalent two strains for common common common com com- mon brain fever he stated HOWEVER a new type of brain fever lately has been attracting much attention in inthe inthe inthe the country The disease that has been killing horses in Texas is called Venezuelan Equine or VEE Vaccine for VEE is not available in Utah but an experimental experimental experimental ex ex- live virus vaccine developed by the U. U S S. S Department Department Department De De- of Defense and originally originally originally intended for use in humans is being used to inoculate inoculate inoc inoc- all horses in the state of Texas Its efficiency and safety has not yet been fully demonstrated Symptoms of VEE in horses has not yet been fully demon- demon are Fever to degrees rapid pulse poor appetite and depression The affected horse appears drowsy hangs its head and develops a drifting gait As the disease progresses the horse may press its head heart into objects and stand crosS legged Some horses may circle continuously until prostration Death usually occurs in about 1 one week in 90 percent o of the cases SYMPTOMS OF Eastern Easter and Western brain fever arel a ar re similar expect de death nth is a ap atS proximately 50 to 60 z pe per r cent ij I VEE like the other forms form of brain fever usually jj is transmitted via bites of infected mosquitos th thus S danger of the problem U ii greatest now during the vector season Dr Thomas said We lye have had some confusion about th the the- effects this disease will ha have ve upon the future of horse race shows and rodeos in Ut Utah community and state events events' An initial order was given give v to cancel them but since th l the State Department of f Agriculture has ruled th th these ese events involving lg U uti Utah fah at horses are not cancelled cancelled- Simply observe the r regula regul of the race show of r fair One regulation spec specific i that all horses coming int info o the state must have a health certificate and exhibit I r normal temperature No hors ea from Texas New Mexico and th thi Republic of Mexico are to bd hi admitted They are quarantine ed and cannot leave lh those 1 areas J d IF YOU have problem or need information and aid a 4 health programs for your ho hoor I or horses we recommend th that thai l' l lyou you contact your veterinarian VJ said Dr Thomas t It |