Washington Horse Tests Positive for WNV
Edited Press Release
September 21, 2021
The horse resided at a private facility in Lewis County.
The horse resided at a private facility in Lewis County.
The affected horse, an unvaccinated 12-year-old gelding, was euthanized.
The horse was unvaccinated for WNV and was euthanized.
All affected horses, from five counties, were euthanized.
The case marks California’s eighth confirmed equine with West Nile virus this year.
The affected horses, a 2-year-old Quarter Horse filly and a 3-year-old Quarter Horse mare, have unknown vaccination status.
The horse’s vaccination status is unknown.
The unvaccinated horse is reportedly recovering.
The affected horses were both 21 years old.
The mare had also been diagnosed with strangles a week before testing positive for EEE and WNV.
The affected mare was last vaccinated for WNV six years ago. The American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends yearly vaccination against the potentially fatal disease.
As a result of the diagnosis, four people are seeking post-exposure rabies treatment and the state is monitoring 15 horses for potential exposure.
West Nile virus transmission occurs when infected mosquitoes feed on animals, as well as humans, after having fed on infected birds.
The 2-year-old Quarter Horse filly was unvaccinated against West Nile virus.
Another horse is suspected with the potentially deadly contact-spread disease.
The cases mark the state’s second and third equines with EEE in 2021. Both horses were unvaccinated.
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