Fifth Case of WNV Confirmed in California for 2020
The affected horse, an 8-year-old Andalusian stallion from Riverside County, experienced onset of clinical signs on Aug. 12. | Photo: iStock
On Aug. 24, officials at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed the state’s fifth case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The affected horse, an 8-year-old Andalusian stallion from Riverside County, experienced onset of clinical signs on Aug. 12. Signs included fever, hind limb ataxia (loss of muscle control), and proprioceptive (perception of body position) deficits in his limbs. The horse, which was unvaccinated, is recovering.

According to a CDFA statement, this is California’s fifth confirmed case of WNV in 2020. Other positive horses were from Amador (1), Merced (1), San Joaquin (1), and Stanislaus (1) counties. Three of the five were unvaccinated, and two had unknown vaccination histories. Three horses have survived, one died, and one was euthanized.

About West Nile Virus

WNV transmission occurs when infected mosquitoes feed on animals, as well as humans, after having fed on infected birds.

Health Alert: West Nile Virus in Horses

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.