Two Horses in Two Oklahoma Counties Confirmed With WNV
The McClain County horse, a 7-year-old Morgan mare at a private facility, experienced onset of clinical signs, which included stiff gait and muscle fasciculations (twitching) on Oct. 9. She was confirmed positive on Oct. 18. She was unvaccinated against WNV and is reported as recovering.
The next horse, a 5-year-old Standardbred mare on an Adair County farm, began showing signs consistent with WNV on Oct. 8 and was confirmed positive Oct. 22. Her signs consisted of ataxia (incoordination), hind-limb weakness, and knuckling on her hind feet. She was also unvaccinated for WNV and is recovering.
About West Nile Virus
WNV transmission occurs when infected mosquitoes feed on animals, as well as humans, after having fed on infected birds.
Clinical signs of WNV in horses include:
- Mild anorexia and depression
- Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation;
- Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);
- Changes in mentation (mentality), when horses look like they’re daydreaming or “just not with it”;
- Occasional drowsiness;
- Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control);
- Spinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; and
- Asymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.
West Nile virus has no cure; however, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%. The American Association of Equine Practitioners includes WNV as one of the core diseases all horses should be vaccinated against at least annually.
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Edited Press Release
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