Oklahoma authorities confirm four equine cases of West Nile virus

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Four horses in western Oklahoma have tested positive for West Nile virus, the first equine cases in the state, health authorities said Friday. <br><br>The horses are in Harmon,

Friday, August 16th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Four horses in western Oklahoma have tested positive for West Nile virus, the first equine cases in the state, health authorities said Friday.

The horses are in Harmon, Garfield, Texas and Beaver counties, said Dr. Burke Healey with the state Department of Agriculture.

Three dead birds in Cleveland County were found to have the virus Thursday, bringing the number of bird cases to 46. The dead birds were found in 14 counties.

The four horses were treated by local veterinarians and are expected to recover, Healey said.

He encouraged Oklahoma residents to have their horses vaccinated for the virus, which has killed equine in other states.

The public can call (800) 990-CROW to report a dead bird. More information about the virus can be found on the Internet at www.health.state.ok.us.