WNV in New York horses
West Nile is transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. | Photo: iStock

The New York State Dept of Agriculture and Markets reported that a horse from Addison, New York, in Steuben County, has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) said Aug. 8. This is the first case of WNV in New York horses for 2018.

“The 15-year old gelding started to show signs on Saturday, Aug. 4,” the EDCC said. “The owner noticed ataxia on all four limbs, generalized muscle fasciculation (twitching), (and) decreased tail tone, but no fever. The gelding was hospitalized on Aug. 5 for testing and further treatment. … As of Aug. 8, the horse is recovering from infection.”

The EDCC said the horse had not been vaccinated against WNV in recent years and had no recent travel history

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