Horse at Mo. State Fair tested positive for rabies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri health department says one of the horses shown at the State Fair has died from rabies.

The horse was noticed to be sick Aug. 17 and died two days later. It was shown in the Saddlebred Show and stabled in Barn C. The horse was dark red with a black mane, tail and legs.

Public Health Veterinarian Howard Pue said people who petted the horse or attended an event where it was present aren't at risk for rabies. He said rabies is transmitted in saliva through bites, into open wounds or through the eyes, nose, mouth or mucous membranes.

State health officials said those who had contact with the horse's saliva between Aug. 7 and Aug. 9 should contact their doctor.