Virginia Department of Health officials are investigating a case of rabies discovered in a miniature horse in Tazewell County earlier this month — the eighth case of rabies in the county this year.The Tazewell County Health Department received confirmation Dec. 9 that a miniature horse from the Goose Creek Estates area of North Tazewell tested positive for the rabies virus.according to Brian Stanley, environmental health manager of the Cumberland Plateau Health District, a local veterinarian notified the Health Department that the miniature horse died late evening on Friday, Dec. 3, or early morning on Saturday, Dec. 4, with possible signs and symptoms of rabies infection. Possible human and animal contact with the horse is still under investigation.how and when this horse contracted the rabies virus is unknown. The health department asks residents in this area to be diligent and observe their pets and livestock for any wounds and/or strange behavior. if noted, please have the animal examined by a veterinarian to determine if the animal is showing signs and symptoms of the rabies virus.Read the full report in the print edition or the enhanced electronic version of the Kingsport Times-News.