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

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported Sept. 26 that the Iowa state veterinarian has confirmed two new equine West Nile virus (WNV) cases. There have been 10 confirmed cases of WNV in Iowa horses so far this year, according to EDCC data.

“On Sept. 20, an 18-year-old Belgian gelding in Clinton County had facial and chest muscle fasciculation (twitching), stiffness in the legs, muscle weakness in the hind limbs, ataxia (incoordination) and mild fever,” the EDCC said.

Meanwhile, “a 3-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Wapello County was examined on Sept. 23,” the EDCC said. “The horse first developed posterior paresis on Sept. 22 and progressed to being recumbent the next day. The horse was treated symptomatically, examined the following day, and the owner elected to humanely euthanize on Sept. 24. This mare was not vaccinated for WNV this year and had no previous history of WNV vaccination

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