ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) — This week's planned adoption of wild horses in Rock Springs is being postponed because a number of young horses are sick.

The Bureau of Land Management said that between 30 and 40 of the 100 horses under a year old were found to be infected with strangles during a pre-adoption checkup Wednesday. BLM veterinarian Paul Zancanella (ZAN'-ca-nel-ah) said it's a bacterial infection roughly similar to strep throat in humans. Most horses recover from it.

The BLM says canceling the adoptions will reduce stress on them.

The High Desert District facility is home to about 800 wild horses overall. It's been closed to the public since October so newly gathered horses could be evaluated and treated.

The adoption and planned school field trips have been rescheduled for March 6-9.

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