Cherry County horse tested positive for West Nile virus

O’NEILL, Neb. (KLKN) – A Cherry County horse has tested positive for West Nile virus according to the North Central District Health Department.

Typically, horses with West Nile virus show symptoms of depression, lack of appetite, change in behavior and mood, fever, muscle spasms and incoordination. Horse owners should speak to their veterinarian about their annual West Nile virus vaccination.

This virus begins in birds that serve as a host. Mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then transmit the virus to humans and horses.

A mosquito pool in Holt County also tested positive for West Nile virus earlier this month. This is a high risk time of year for transmission of West Nile virus. It is likely that the virus is currently circulating in all counties in the North Central District Health Department area.

Residents should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

• Limit time spent outdoors at dusk and sunset when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside at dusk or dawn.
• Apply an EPA approved mosquito repellant (DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535
• Get rid of standing water that mosquitoes can breed in.

A mosquito dashboard with more information is maintained at www.ncdhd.ne.gov.