AR-News: (US) Horse meat not tested for virus

[Animalconcerns]

GARDNER, Colo. (AP) -- None of the millions of pounds of American horse
meat headed to U.S. zoos or around the world is tested for West Nile
virus, although hundreds of horses have been infected with the virus this
year.

Colorado State University researchers say the mosquito-borne disease can
be transmitted to at least some animals through their diets but that the
virus can be killed through cooking.

At least 2,767 horses were infected with West Nile in 38 states this year,
and at least 594 were reported sick in Colorado. The numbers may be low
because owners have balked at paying for diagnostic tests. 

Each year, 42,000 to 62,000 pounds of American horse meat head to
international markets. Four million pounds are processed for domestic use
by Central Nebraska Packing in North Platte, Neb., which supplies horse
meat to 85 percent of the nation's zoos.

full story:
http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=phpdata/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2003/10/14/build/state/50-horse.inc

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