The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed one additional case of equine West Nile virus (WNV) today (Sept. 24), according to a statement on the organization’s website.

"On Sept. 24, 2012, the CDFA Animal Health Branch confirmed one additional case of WNV in an 18-month-old unvaccinated filly located in Fresno County," the statement read. "The horse is recovering."

"For 2012, a total of eighteen (California) horses have been confirmed positive for WNV," the statement continued. "The positive horses are located in the following counties Butte, Calaveras, Fresno (3), Glenn, Kern(2), Merced, Sacramento(2), San Joaquin (2), Shasta (3), Stanislaus and Yolo counties. Five of the positive horses have been euthanized.

"The CDFA continually monitors and investigates equine neurologic cases for the presence of WNV in California," the statement concluded. "The CDFA urges horse owners to consult their veterinarian concerning a WNV vaccination program to ensure maximum protection of their horses

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