Vaccinate horses against virus

PROVO (AP) — Now is the time to get horses vaccinated against West Nile virus, state officials say.

More than 100,000 doses of the vaccine were sold in Utah last year. Five horses contracted West Nile, compared to 35 cases the year before, said state veterinarian Mike Marshall.

There are, however, an estimated 400,000 horses in Utah, he said.

Horses that have never been vaccinated must be given one shot now and a second in August, he said. Horses that were vaccinated last year need only one dose now and none in August.

Half of all horses that contract the virus die, and nearly all of the survivors are mentally damaged, he said.

Shots cost about $20. Horse owners may give the shots themselves.