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

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) confirmed a case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a Smyth County horse, the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported Oct. 17. This is the fourth confirmed case of WNV in Virginia horses in 2018.

“An unvaccinated 22-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding developed an abnormal gait on Oct. 8,” the EDCC said. “Serum from the horse was tested using by IgM Capture ELISA at the VDACS Warrenton Regional Animal Health Laboratory. The horse has slowly improved since onset with supportive therapy.”

In 2017 there was just one confirmed case of WNV in Virginia horses, according to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service data

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.