The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirms that an unvaccinated nine-year-old crossbred Belgian/Standardbred gelding in Crawford County has died after contracting West Nile Virus (WNV). It is the state’s first confirmed case of WNV in a horse since 2018.
WNV symptoms in horses include fever, incoordination, hind-end weakness, depression, loss of appetite, muscle tremors, teeth grinding, inability to swallow, head pressing, excessive sweating, and going down without being able to get up. The disease can cause brain inflammation in horses and people; it is fatal in 30% to 40% of horses showing signs of illness.
While humans can be infected by WNV, the virus does not pass directly between people and horses; the only route of transmission is from a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes transmit the virus from birds, which serve as natural reservoirs for WNV. Because humans and equines acquire WNV from mosquitoes, the threat of WNV normally occurs when mosquitoes are most active, from mid-to-late summer until the first killing frost.
DATCP encourages horse owners to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating their horses for WNV. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends vaccinating for both WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) as part of the core vaccine protocol, meaning all horses should be vaccinated for these diseases. Horses that have never been vaccinated initially require two doses two to four weeks apart, followed by at least an annual booster.
Horse owners also can protect their animals by limiting exposure to mosquitoes. This includes:
- Removing items from the property that could collect stagnant water (e.g., tires, plastic containers).
- Keeping gutters clean and draining properly.
- Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs.
- Draining water from pool covers.
- Turning wading pools and wheelbarrows upside down when not in use.
- Emptying and replacing water in birdbaths at least once a week.
- Keeping horses in the barn from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Consult with a veterinarian before using mosquito repellents on horses. Only use approved products.
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