Case of Equine West Nile Virus Confirmed in Texas

Newsdate: Sat, 22 June 2013 - 12:40 pm
Location: HOUSTON, Texas

According to an article on the Houston Chronicle website, Texas has reported the nation’s first case of equine West Nile virus this year. A visit to the USGS.gov website, shows the case was confirmed on April 16, in Grimes County, Texas, northwest of Houston.

Cycle of West Nile virus infections

Cycle of West Nile virus infections

A visit to the USGS.gov website, shows the case of Equine West Nile virus was confirmed on April 16, in Grimes County, Texas, northwest of Houston.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there have been two human cases of West Nile virus this year, and 11 mosquitoes trapped in five different counties have tested positive for the virus.

California, Mississippi and Tennessee all have reported human cases this year, according to the USDA.gov website

According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, “West Nile virus (WNV), an arbovirus endemic in North America, is the causative agent of West Nile equine encephalomyelitis (WNEE) and an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of horses with signs of neurologic disease.

West Nile Virus vaccination is important in the prevention of WNEE and is considered one of the core equine vaccinations by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Core equine vaccinations are those indicated for use in all horses irrespective of use or geographic location in the USA."

Since the initial detection of West Nile virus in 1999 in New York, the virus has spread throughout the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia.

In 2012 there were 627 cases of West Nile virus in horses reported from 41 states, according to USDA/APHIS. The report they issued noted that was the highest number of equine cases for the past five years, “but still considerably lower than the number of cases reported during the 2002 WNV outbreak when 15,257 equine cases were reported.”

The states with the most equine cases of West Nile virus in 2012 were Texas (120), Louisiana (62), Pennsylvania (47), Mississippi (39), Iowa (35) and Indiana (30).

Learn more about West Nile Virus and other equine diseases

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

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As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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