Horse owners particpating in shows, fairs, races or other gatherings in Virginia will soon have to carry papers showing that their animals aren't infected with equine infectious anemia.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said Tuesday that the updated regulation takes effect March 2 and applies to any activity where horses with different owners could come into contact with each other.
Owners who don't have valid test reports showing their horses tested negatively for the disease can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Virginia state veterinarian Richard Wilkes says a horse that has equine infectious anemia is infected for life and becomes a carrier for the disease.