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

The New York State Dept of Agriculture and Markets has confirmed that two more New York horses have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported Sept. 5. There are now at least three conformed cases of WNV in New York horses this year.

“On Aug. 29, a 10-year-old gelding from Randolph, New York, in Cattaraugus County, had hind-end weakness,” the EDCC said. “Over the course of several days, the weakness progressed to the point where the horse could not rise despite medical treatment. The horse had no recent vaccine or travel history and was euthanized on Sept. 2. Blood samples confirmed active WNV infection.

“The second horse, a 12-year-old gelding from Piffard, New York, in Genesee County, had hind-end weakness noted by the owner on Sept. 2,” the EDCC said. “This horse had not been vaccinated in two years. Despite medical treatment, the weakness progressed to the front limbs. The horse was euthanized due to poor prognosis and failure to rise. Blood samples also confirmed active WNV infection