Wisconsin agriculture officials confirm the state’s first case this year of West Nile Virus in a horse.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says an unvaccinated three-year-old Quarter Horse stallion in Grant County tested positive. Last year, nine horses in Wisconsin were diagnosed with the virus.
West Nile Virus can cause brain inflammation in both horses and people, and is often spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms in horses include fever, weakness, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, death.
So far this year, state health officials have confirmed five human cases in Wisconsin.
Veterinarians urge horse owners to vaccinate their animals and take steps to reduce mosquito exposure, such as removing standing water and keeping horses in barns overnight.
More information is available on the DATCP website.
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