West Nile virus is transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. | Photo: iStock

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported Aug. 23 that the Montana Department of Livestock has confirmed additional cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses in that state. They’ve confirmed WNV in Montana horses residing in Blaine, Cascade, Lewis and Clark, Powder River, Wheatland, and Yellowstone counties.

The EDCC said cases include:

• On Aug. 7, one case was confirmed in Cascade County;
• On Aug. 14, one case each was confirmed in Lake and Cascade Counties;
• On Aug. 15, one case was confirmed in Cascade County;
• On Aug. 16, two cases were confirmed in Cascade County and one was confirmed in Powder River County;
• On Aug. 17, one case each was confirmed in Blaine, Wheatland, and Cascade Counties;
• On Aug. 20, one case was confirmed in Lewis and Clark County; and
• On Aug. 21st, five cases were confirmed—three in Cascade County, one in Lewis and Clark County, and one in Yellowstone County.

Previously, the Department of Livestock confirmed two cases of WNV in Montana horses: one in Lake County and one in Musselshell County. The newly reported cases bring the state’s total to 18 cases of WNV in Montana horses so far this year