West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that causes inflammation or swelling
of the brain and spinal cord. Since its discovery in New York in 1999, the virus
has spread rapidly across the country, infecting horses, birds or humans in nearly
every state in the continental U.S. One in three clinically-infected horses will die.*
*USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Signs of West Nile virus
How do horses get West Nile virus?
Treatment
Mosquito Control Tips
These symptoms can be confused with rabies, EPM ("Possum Disease),
equine encephalitis, and other serious neurological diseases. If you see
these signs in your horse, see your veterinarian immediately.
|
 Broadband/T1 Dial-up |
Click the graphic to see the typical transmission cycle of the West Nile virus
How do horses get West Nile virus?
The cycle starts with infected birds, which can travel long distances in a short
amount of time (see Where is WNV?). When a mosquito bites a bird carrying
the West Nile virus, it too becomes infected. The mosquito then feeds on
another bird, a horse, human or other mammal. Once a horse has been bitten,
it may take only 5 to 15 days for signs of West Nile virus to appear.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Your veterinarian may be
able to provide supportive therapy that can save your horse’s life. However,
in addition to good mosquito control, there is now a vaccine that may aid in
the prevention of disease caused by West Nile virus.
- Keep horses stabled during dawn and dusk, when
mosquitoes are most active - Turn off lights that attract mosquitoes at night
- Use fluorescent lights, which do not attract mosquitoes
- Keep screens in stable windows
- Eliminate common mosquito breeding areas
like shallow stagnant water and puddles - Empty water collecting in buckets, tarps or tires
- Clean water troughs once a week
- Use mosquito repellent