West Nile Virus is a virus that is carried through mosquitoes.  The best protection for horses is through proper vaccination, elimination of standing water, and other preventive measures (i.e. fans for stalls).   Signs of infection include wobbliness, inability to stand, and twitching on the face or body.

     West Nile Virus cases are still occurring in Wisconsin.  The good news is the virus has not caused the same amount of fatalities as last year.  This may be due in part to the drought decreasing mosquito numbers; increased vaccination efforts; or increased horse immunity.  With the recent rains, an increase in viral infections may be seen. The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab confirmed that most of the cases in Wisconsin are in horses that have not been vaccinated.

     For more information, go to www.dhfs.state.wi.us then to Topics, then West Nile Virus.