Source: Ag Week
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health confirmed the first 2024 case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a horse, a 2-year-old unvaccinated Belgian colt in Todd County. The colt, showing severe symptoms, died on August 26. Nearby, three other horses showed similar signs but weren’t confirmed with WNV, underscoring the importance of vaccination and testing for disease control. WNV, spread by mosquitoes who acquire it from infected birds, can impact horses and humans but cannot be transmitted between horses or to humans directly.
Vaccinations can prevent or lessen the severity of the virus. The Board recommends annual booster shots, which are often missed, leaving horses vulnerable. Horse owners are advised to reduce mosquito populations around animals by clearing stagnant water, changing drinking troughs weekly, mowing tall grass, and using screens and repellents. The high transmission season is underway, with confirmed WNV cases in mosquitoes and humans in the region.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.agweek.com/livestock/central-minnesota-horse-dies-tests-positive-for-west-nile-virus