A deadly outbreak of a highly contagious virus that's often fatal in horses has struck an equestrian farm in western Quebec. Staff at Venturing Hills, already under added strain due to the coronavirus pandemic, now have new anti-contagion precautions to manage. The neurological form of the equine virus had taken hold and within hours, the animal had to be euthanized. "There was just no warning whatsoever," said Eddy's owner, Sophie Barbeau-O'Connor, who has since returned to Venturing Hills to help manage the outbreak. Venturing Hills co-owner Rae Becke believes a horse purchased from stables in Toronto in January may have brought the virus to the farm.

Source: CBC News February 19, 2021 09:00 UTC