All Horses Coming From Ill. Must be Checked

Louisiana's agriculture commissioner says any horse coming into Louisiana from Illinois must have a health certificate showing that it has not been at Hawthorne Race Course in the past 30 days because nearly 70 horses there have tested positive for a very contagious and potentially lethal virus.

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry quotes Stanley Seeling, president of the Louisiana Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association, as saying horses typically travel from Hawthorne Race Course to Louisiana for the winter races.

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the quarantine is a precaution because at least 68 horses at Hawthorne have tested positive in recent months for equine herpes virus type 1.

The virus doesn't affect people. In horses it can cause fever, lethargy, abortion, respiratory problems, brain damage and death.