The disease is spread by mosquitoes.
Mosquito (Photo from US CDC)
Annapolis, Md (KM) A horse in Frederick County recently contracted West Nile Virus. The Maryland Department of Agriculture says earlier this month, the horse started showing symptoms of the disease, and was tested. The animal came back positive for West Nile Virus.. MDA says that horse has been vaccinated and has recovered.
Even though it’s been a dry summer so far, the Agriculture Department says the heavy rains have increased the mosquito population which leads to a higher risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalitis.
“Cases like these should serve as a reminder for horse owners to remain vigilant of the threat of mosquito borne illnesses throughout the summer,” says Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, in a statement. “We urge horse owners to speak with their veterinarians about vaccinations, and remind veterinarians throughout Maryland to report any cases of equine arboviruses to the department.”
Signs of West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalomyelitis include fever–though not always the result of West Nile Virus–anorexia, head pressing, depression, personality change, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, convulsions, muscle spasms in the head and neck and hind-limb weakness, according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
MDA urges horse owners to keep their horses inside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and use tropical insect repellents made for horses.
Both humans and horses can contract West Nile Virus which is a serious, and at times, deadly disease which is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
By Kevin McManus