Story Created: Jun 2, 2011 at 4:09 PM PDT
Story Updated: Jun 2, 2011 at 5:44 PM PDTSanta Maria - Despite concerns over a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus affecting horses, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo kicked off today, but with added precautions.
Horse owners and event organizers are worried about the Equine Herpes Virus, or EHV-1.
Initially detected at a show in Ogden, Utah in early may, the virus has spread to a number of other western states including California.
To date, there are a total of 20 confirmed cases in California, including one in Ventura County.
Some horse events across the country are being canceled because of the scare, but in Santa Maria organizers say extra steps are being taken to ensure all of the horses are safe.
Those precautions include, extra check-ups by veterinarians and making sure the horses remain separated.
With all of the extra safety measures in place, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo runs Friday to Sunday.
Watch KEY News tonight at 5 and 8 p.m. for reaction from horse owners about the EHV-1 virus.
