As of September 13, the United States has confirmed 28 West Nile virus (WNV) cases in horses in 2022. The first case was identified at a private facility in Volusia County, Florida, on January 11, 2022, and states affected now include Florida, Tennessee, California, Minnesota, Colorado, Indiana, Utah, Illinois, and Idaho. In addition, 198 cases of WNV in people have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this year.
WNV is the leading cause of arbovirus encephalitis in equids and humans in the United States, and is considered an endemic disease, potentially causing significant health issues for affected hosts. The mortality rate for U.S. horses exhibiting clinical WNV signs is approximately 30% to 40%, and about 40% of surviving horses experience residual neurological issues for six months or more. WNV significantly threatens horses, and veterinarians should be proactive in educating horse owners about this disease.
West Nile virus emergence
WNV is a flavivirus with similar characteristics to the viruses that cause St. Louis encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. The following are highlights of WNV’s emergence:
Since WNV arrived in the United States in 1999, the virus has spread westward, and now has been detected in all contiguous states.
West Nile virus basics
WNV poses the greatest threat in late summer, when mosquitoes are most active. Other WNV information includes:
West Nile virus prevention
The U.S. incidence of WNV varies widely from year to year, but climate change has affected geographic and seasonal patterns of mosquito activity, increasing the exposure risk across the country. Prevention is key for your patients’ protection, and you should relay the following tips to your clients to help decrease their horses’ risk.
WNV appears to be here to stay, but we have resources at our disposal to help protect the horses in our care. Educate your clients to ensure their horse receives the necessary vaccinations to prevent this dangerous disease.
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