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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 2, 2016
West Nile Virus confirmed in Sibley County horse
High risk season; horse owners should vaccinate and take preventative measures
St. Paul, Minn. — An unvaccinated horse in Winthrop,
Minnesota has tested positive for West Nile Virus and is severely ill. The
1.5-year-old Friesian stallion has been unable to stand for a week and is
receiving supportive care. This is the first confirmed case of 2016 affecting a
Minnesota horse.
West Nile Virus is regularly found in the United States, and
birds serve as the primary host of the disease. Infected mosquitoes can transmit
the virus from birds and then carry it to horses or people. The virus can cause
encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Infected horses may
or may not show neurological symptoms and many recover completely, especially
with annual vaccinations.
Vaccines for horses are widely available and have been
proven to be effective in preventing infection. Steps can also be taken to
reduce disease risk by reducing mosquitoes.
- Change water in drinking troughs every week.
- Mow long grass.
- Drain stagnant water puddles.
- Remove items mosquitoes use for breeding
grounds, like old tires and tin cans.
- Place and maintain screens over windows and
stable doors.
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Horses and people can also be protected from
mosquitoes by using repellents.
Positive test results for West Nile Virus must be reported
to the Board of Animal Health. See annual maps of positive cases in horses on
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
website.
This is a
high risk time of year for West Nile Virus transmission. People are at risk
too, and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) advises wearing repellent,
especially if you’re outside at dawn or dusk. Learn more about the virus on the
MDH website.
To learn
about other reportable diseases in Minnesota, visit the Board of Animal Health.
Contact Information:
Michael Crusan, Communications Director
Minnesota Board of Animal Health
651-201-6815
michael.crusan@state.mn.us
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