Animal health officials in Oregon have confirmed the state’s first equine West Nile virus (WNV) case of 2016, while officials in Minnesota are reporting additional confirmed cases.

In Oregon, a 14-year-old mare from Deschutes County is recovering under a veterinarian’s care after testing positive for WNV. The affected horse has no history of WNV vaccination

Last year, six horses in Oregon were confirmed to be infected with WNV.

“Horses become infected with the virus the same way humans become infected, by being bitten by infected mosquitoes,” said Brad LeaMaster, DVM, PhD, state veterinarian with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “I would like to take this opportunity to remind horse owners to contact their local veterinarian regarding proper West Nile virus vaccination protocols during this time of increased risk

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