Sick horse in Pine City is confirmed to have West Nile Virus
St. Paul, Minn. - A 3-year-old Miniature Horse in Pine City was confirmed to
have West Nile Virus on July 27, which marks the first equine case in Minnesota
in 2018. The attending veterinarian reported to the Minnesota Board of Animal
Health that the stallion presented with acute neurologic signs, exhibiting
profound weakness in his front limbs, tripping and falling and requiring
assistance to stand. The horse has no documented history of vaccination against
West Nile Virus and is currently receiving supportive care. A mare and a foal
also live on the property and are healthy at this time.
“This case is an unfortunate reminder of why it is so
important that owners vaccinate their horses against this disease,” said Equine
Program Manager, Dr. Courtney Wheeler.
The last confirmed case of West Nile Virus in a Minnesota
horse was November 2017. Last year, 39 states reported 307 equine cases of West
Nile Virus. The Minnesota Department of Health has documented two human cases
in 2018 to date.
West Nile Virus is a zoonotic disease spread by mosquitoes,
and thought to cycle between mosquitoes and birds. Mosquitoes contract the
virus from birds and then spread it to mammals (and reptiles), most commonly
humans and horses. Infected horses can become anorexic, depressed and show
neurologic signs or behavior changes. The incubation period in horses is
between three and 15 days. Many infected horses are asymptomatic. Clinical
signs can be similar to those seen with other neurologic diseases including
rabies.
Horse vaccines are available and have been used extensively,
contributing to the decline in the number of affected horses. Additionally,
disease risk can be reduced by limiting exposure to mosquitoes. This can be
accomplished by changing horses’ drinking water regularly, mowing tall grass,
draining stagnant water, maintaining screens, installing fans at horse stables,
and using insect repellants on both horses and people. Also, mosquitoes
primarily feed at dawn and dusk, and keeping horses indoors during these times
can reduce risk.
Click
this link to learn about West Nile Virus in animals via the USDA’s
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. You can also learn about how this
disease impacts humans by clicking this link from the Minnesota
Department of Health.
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The mission of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is to protect the health of the state’s domestic animals through education and cooperation with veterinarians, producers, owners and communities.
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