Wisconsin Horse Dies of West Nile Virus

The 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding resided in St. Croix County.
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Wisconsin Horse Dies of West Nile Virus
West Nile is transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. | Photo: Photos.com

A 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in St. Croix County, Wisconsin has died of West Nile virus, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center.

The horse presented with signs of muscle weakness caused by nerve damage and was tested for WNV on July 27. The horse succumbed to the disease the following week. Testing confirmed WNV infection on August 5.

West Nile is transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Clinical signs for WNV include flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed; fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculations; hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound); changes in mentation (mentality), when horses look like they are daydreaming or “just not with it”; occasional somnolence (drowsiness); propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); and “spinal” signs, including asymmetrical weakness. Some horses show asymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia. Equine mortality rate can be as high as 30-40%

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