According to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, two horses in the Boise area have tested positive for West Nile virus, one near Parma and one near Meridian.
Importance of horse vaccines to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
Two horses in Idaho have tested positive for West Nile virus and both had neurological symptoms consistent with the disease.
The virus is carried by birds and spread through mosquitoes. Horses, like humans, are terminal vectors and cannot spread the disease to other animals or humans.
West Nile virus causes an inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain. While there are antiviral drugs, they are largely ineffective in horses and cost prohibitive.
Treatment consists of supportive care including anti-inflammatory drugs and intravenous fluids, according to Scott Leibsle, deputy state veterinarian with Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
Although equine vaccinations for West Nile are readily available, effective and inexpensive, $20 to $30 per horse, most West Nile cases are detected in horses that have not been vaccinated, and Leibsle advises horse owners to contact their veterinarians about vaccination.
In addition to the two horses, the virus has been detected in mosquitoes in six Idaho counties including Ada, Canyon, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls and Washington counties, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Last year, West Nile virus was detected in nine horses in Idaho between Aug. 21 and Sept. 20.
Learn more about West Nile Virus in Horses