UNDATED (WSAU-WAOW) The state Agriculture Department is reporting a horse fatality from West Nile virus — the first in Wisconsin this year. The yearling standardbred-cross gelding in Clark County had not been vaccinated against the disease, according to Dr. Julie McGwin, the state equine program veterinarian.
“It’s been a very wet summer so far this year, which contributes to a growing mosquito problem,” she said in a statement.
The virus is not contagious between horses, but can be carried by mosquitoes from an avian, or bird, host to horses and humans. The virus does not pass directly between people and horses. Mosquitoes biting warm-blooded animals is the only route of transmission.
Horses that have not already been vaccinated this year for West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases are at greater risk, McGwin said. “Those horse owners who have vaccinated should check with their veterinarians to see whether a booster is appropriate.”
