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Ohio Department of Agriculture
Animal Health
Alert – West Nile Virus confirmed in horse
(REYNOLDSBURG, OH) - The first positive case of West Nile Virus (WNV)
in an Ohio horse has been confirmed in 2016.
Testing on samples taken from a seven-year-old Standardbred in
Tuscarawas County confirmed the positive WNV diagnosis to the Ohio
Department of Agriculture Sept. 12. The horse’s veterinarian first
examined the animal Aug. 29. The animal was euthanized after exhibiting
significant clinical signs, including shaking, agitation and thrashing.
The horse had not been vaccinated.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to horses via bites from infected
mosquitoes. Clinical signs for WNV include flulike symptoms, where the
horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed. Changes in mentality,
drowsiness, driving or pushing forward (often without control) and
asymmetrical weakness may be observed. Mortality rate from WNV can be
as high as 30-40 percent in horses. Infection with WNV does not always
lead to signs of illness in people or animals. WNV is endemic in the
United States and Ohio has reported three positive cases in horses each
of the last few years.
“This incident in Tuscarawas County should serve as an alert to all
horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus,” said
State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey. “Vaccines are a proven and
effective prevention tool and I encourage all owners to talk to their
local vet for options and advice on how to keep their animals healthy.”
In addition to vaccinations, horse owners also should work to reduce
the mosquito population and eliminate possible breeding areas.
Recommendations include: removing stagnant water sources; keeping
animals inside during the bugs' feeding times, which are typically
early in the morning and evening; and using mosquito repellents.
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