Tennessee’s state veterinarian confirms a horse in Weakley County, Tenn. tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The horse was euthanized due to the severity of the case.
WNV is a mosquito-borne virus. Mosquitoes acquire WNV when they feed on infected birds and then spread the virus to people and other animals by biting them. While humans can be infected by WNV, the virus does not pass between people and horses, and horses do not transmit the infection to other horses. The only route of transmission is from a mosquito bite.
“We are always concerned when WNV is discovered in horses,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said. “Approximately one-third of these horses will succumb to this disease, and those that recover can relapse and develop secondary issues.”
For horse owners, control of mosquitoes and vaccination against WNV are equally important. Horse owners should work with a veterinarian to determine an appropriate vaccination schedule.