A total of four new cases of equine West Nile virus (WNV) have been reported to the Equine Disease Communication Center.
Kansas
- Rawlins County: An under-vaccinated, 2-year-old horse tested positive for WNV after showing mild ataxia.
- Miami County: An unvaccinated, 2-year-old horse tested positive for WNV after exhibiting acute hind-end paresis and muscle fasciculations.
Tennessee
- Wilson County: One horse tested positive for WNV.
Kentucky
- Green County: An unvaccinated, 8-year-old Quarter Horse mare tested positive for WNV on Oct. 7. The horse showed symptoms of ataxia and muscle fasciculations on Sept. 21 and is currently in the process of recovery.
EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.
WNV 101
West Nile virus is transmitted to horses through bites from infected mosquitoes. Clinical signs of WNV in horses include:
- Flulike symptoms such as mild anorexia and depression;
- Involuntary twitching of muscles and skin;
- Hypersensitivity to touch and sound;
- Changes in mental activity;
- Occasional drowsiness;
- Propulsive walking without control;
- Spinal signs like weakness; and
- Ataxia.
There is no cure for West Nile virus in horses, and mortality rates can be as high as 30-40%. Vaccination is an effective prevention method, with horses needing annual booster shots. Owners should also take steps to reduce mosquito populations and limit exposure to mosquitoes by eliminating breeding sites, keeping animals indoors during peak feeding times, and using approved mosquito repellents.