The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Community Health (MDCH) have confirmed that an 8-year-old horse from Grand Traverse County tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) and was euthanized after failing to respond to treatment and supportive care.

The gelding was not vaccinated against WNV. The other horses residing at the affected horse's premises have since been vaccinated against the disease. The MDARD was also recently notified a small turkey flock in Ingham County was affected by WNV, with high death losses due to the disease.

“The virus has affected poultry in the past,” said state veterinarian James Averill, DVM, PhD, “and both of these unfortunate losses stand as reminders that we should all be diligent about vaccinating our horses, using mosquito repellent, keeping water troughs fresh and clean, and emptying any containers of water not intended for animal use.”

Matthew Davis, MD, MAPP, chief medical executive of the MDCH, added, “Anytime we find West Nile Virus in animals, this serves as an opportunity to remind people that they also need to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. While we have not had a positive human case so far this season, we do know that it is circulating in the environment so residents should take precautions to protect themselves and their families