Colorado Tests Positive for West Nile Virus
- Topics: Article, West Nile Virus (WNV)
A horse in Weld County, Colorado, has been diagnosed with West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first confirmed case of WNV in a horse in Colorado in 2016.
This index case was diagnosed by Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Collins.
Vaccines have proven to be a very effective prevention tool. Horses that have been vaccinated in past years will need an annual booster shot. However, if an owner did not vaccinate their animal in previous years, the horse will need the two-shot vaccination series within a three- to six-week period.
In addition to vaccinations, horse owners also need to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas. Recommendations include removing stagnant water sources, keeping animals inside during the bugs’ feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and evening, and using mosquito repellents
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