The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is reporting that a five-year-old Quarter horse gelding in Kennewick is the first equine in the state to contract West Nile virus this year. The horse, which was not vaccinated for the disease, has not left the ownerâs property recently. The horseâs status is improving.
Bird to Mosquito to Horse - West Nile Virus Pathway
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is reporting that a five-year-old Quarter horse gelding in Kennewick is the first equine in the state to contract West Nile virus this year.
The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Pullman, operated by Washington State University, reported the positive test results to WSDAâs State Veterinarianâs Office Friday. Washington had five confirmed cases of horses with West Nile virus last year, including horses in Benton, Franklin, Grant, Okanogan and Yakima counties.
West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. The disease sickens people, horses, birds and other animals, but it does not spread directly from horses to people or other animals.
The disease is fatal to horses in about a third of the cases in which clinical signs are apparent, although most horses do not become ill and show no symptoms. Horses that do become ill can appear to be displaying loss of coordination, loss of appetite, confusion, fever, stiffness, and muscle weakness, particularly in their hindquarters.
State Veterinarian Dr. Joe Baker recommends spring as the best time to vaccinate horses against West Nile virus or obtain an annual booster shot. However, horses may still benefit from first-time vaccinations or an annual booster shot. Horse owners not up to date on shots may benefit from a visit with their veterinarian to determine a vaccination protocol that best fits their situation.