State veterinarian confirms first equine West Nile virus case of 2021

GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (KJCT) – Colorado has its first confirmed case of equine West Nile virus this year after a Weld County horse was diagnosed with the virus.

The horse had not been vaccinated against West Nile virus and developed acute neurological signs on July 24 and is recovering.

“Vaccines have been shown to be an effective prevention tool against West Nile virus in horses and horse owners should work with their veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for their horses,” said the state veterinarian. Dr Maggie Baldwin. “West Nile virus is one of the main AAEP vaccines for horses, along with others such as rabies, tetanus, and eastern and western encephalomyelitis. All of these vaccines are important in protecting the health of Colorado’s horse herds.

Horses vaccinated against West Nile virus in recent years will need an annual booster. If a horse has not been vaccinated in previous years, he will need the two-step vaccination series.

To help prevent more cases of West Nile virus, horse owners can work to reduce mosquito populations and their possible breeding grounds where horses are found. Homeowners can do this by removing sources of standing water, using mosquito repellents, and keeping animals indoors during insect feeding hours, which are typically early in the morning and evening.

West Nile virus is a viral disease that alternates between wild birds and mosquitoes, and can sometimes affect other species. Anorexia, depression and neurological signs, which may include ataxia, weakness or paralysis of one or more limbs, grinding of teeth, aimless wandering, seizures and / or circles are signs clinical cases in horses.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has not reported any human cases of West Nile virus to date in 2021. However, mosquito pools in Weld, Larimer and Boulder counties have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has released data on human cases from West Nile, as well as pools of positive mosquitoes, available on the site CDPHE WNV website.

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