Infected horses euthanized

CHENEY – The equine community is reeling after two horses were euthanized over the weekend of Nov. 16-17 due to a neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus, also known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy.

The contagious and often fatal disease has prompted the state Department of Agriculture to issue a warning to local horse owners.

Both affected horses had been at J Spear Arena in recent weeks, a facility that frequently hosts events such as team roping competitions. The arena has since been quarantined and temporarily closed.

“This is serious, and we need to take this virus serious...