West Nile: First Equine Cases Reported in 2013

Horse owners can help prevent WNV infections by managing mosquito populations and vaccinating horses.
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West Nile virus (WNV) remains a threat to horses. But with the right vaccine and preventive measures, horse owners can help protect their horses against this life-threatening disease.

West Nile encephalomyelitis is an inflammation of the central nervous system that is caused by an infection with WNV. It is transmitted by mosquitoes—which feed on infected birds or other animals—to horses, humans, and other mammals.

Horses in (https://thehorse.com/articles/32089/grimes-co-texas-horse-tests-positive-for-wnv) Texas and Ohio have tested positive for WNV, the first equine cases reported in the United States this year. In 2012, when 690 cases were reported nationwide, only eight states (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and West Virginia) had no reports of equine WNV.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to help protect horses against West Nile and other encephalic or mosquito-borne diseases, such as Eastern equine encephalomyelitis and Western equine encephalomyelitis. Already this year, 14 cases of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis have been reported in Florida and Georgia

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