SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food wants all horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile virus. This comes in response to an increased number of cases across the state.

The UDAF confirms that horses in the following counties have tested positive for West Nile virus:

So far, six horses have had to be euthanized because of the disease.

“This year we seem to have a lot more cases of equine West Nile than we’ve had in the previous few years,” said Karl Hoopes, Veterinarian and Utah State University Extension Equine Specialist. “Last year, I don’t think I treated any horses with West Nile. This year I treated three.”

The West Nile vaccine is the most effective way to protect horses from West Nile virus, according to State Veterinarian Dr. Amanda Price

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