West Nile Virus Confirmed in California Horses
West Nile virus transmission occurs when infected mosquitoes feed on animals, as well as humans, after having fed on infected birds. | Photo: iStock
The California Department of Agriculture reported that two mares—one from Kern County and one from Stanislaus County—presented with signs of West Nile virus (WNV) and were subsequently euthanized.

The Stanislaus County mare, a 2-year-old unvaccinated Paint, presented on July 31 with signs including falling, hypermetria (an exaggerated gait), ataxia (incoordination), muzzle and ear twitching, weakness, and recumbency (inability to rise).

The Kern County mare, an unvaccinated 9-year-old Rocky Mountain Horse, showed signs including ataxia, head tremor, hind-end weakness, muscle fasciculations (twitching), and recumbency beginning on Aug. 7.

West Nile virus transmission occurs when infected mosquitoes feed on animals, as well as humans, after having fed on infected birds

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