Colorado Confirms First Equine West Nile Case of 2013

A 3-month-old colt from Montezuma County, Colo., has tested positive for West Nile virus.
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Colorado’s first reported equine case of West Nile virus (WNV) has been diagnosed as of Aug. 14. The WNV positive horse is a 3-month-old colt from Montezuma County.

“West Nile Virus is a disease that threatens the health of humans, horses, and other animals,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Keith Roehr, DVM. “This is the time of year when we are most likely to see it reported in horse. sIt is difficult to project how many cases we may see in the coming months.”

The transmission of the disease varies from year to year and depends on a number of factors including mosquito numbers. WNV can be carried by infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite those birds. The mosquitoes can then pass the virus to humans and animals.

Infected horses can display symptoms including head tilt, muscle tremors, stumbling, lack of coordination, limb weakness, and partial paralysis. The clinical signs of WNV are consistent with other important neurologic diseases such as equine encephalitis, rabies, and equine herpes virus; therefore it is important to work with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis through laboratory testing. Horse owners should also consult their private practicing veterinarian to determine an appropriate disease prevention plan for their horses

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