A 17-year-old Arabian mare in California is recovering after state veterinary officials confirmed her positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
  
The mare, located in Ventura County, displayed neurologic signs associated with the disease on Nov. 10, 2016. She had not been vaccinated.
  
[brightcove videoid="3151235477001" title="Health Alert: West Nile Virus"]
  
For 2016, California has confirmed 21 horses positive for WNV. The positive horses are in the following counties:  
  • Calaveras (one horse confirmed);
  • Fresno (two confirmed);
  • Merced (one confirmed;
  • Riverside (one confirmed);
  • Sacramento (three confirmed);
  • San Diego (one confirmed);
  • San Joaquin (seven confirmed);
  • Shasta (one confirmed);
  • Sutter (two confirmed); and  
  • Ventura (two confirmed).  
Eighteen of the positive horses were not current on their WNV vaccinations, and two horses had unknown vaccination status. Seven of the 21 positive confirmed horses died or were euthanized.
  
The California Department of Food and Agriculture continually monitors and investigates equine neurologic cases for the presence of WNV in the state and urges horse owners to consult their veterinarian concerning a WNV vaccination program to ensure maximum protection of their horses.