First Case Of West Nile Virus 2018 Shows Up In Larimer Co. Horse

BROOMFIELD, CO – The first case of Equine West Nile Virus showed up in Colorado for 2018 this week in a Larimer County horse. Vets at Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Collins diagnosed the mosquito-bourne illness on Aug. 15, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said.

Unlike for humans, where no vaccine or cure exists, the virus can be prevented in horses with a two-dose vaccination, which needs an additional booster shot every year, the ag department said.

To keep horses safe, owners should also make sure to keep animals away from (or remove) stagnant water sources and keep animals inside during the bugs’ early morning and evening feeding times.

“Strict insect control is an important factor to inhibit the transmission of West Nile Virus," said Keith Roehr, state veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. "I encourage livestock owners to keep an eye out for standing water for mosquito populations.”

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Equine West Nile Virus look like those of other neurological diseases in horses. Infected horses may display symptoms such as "head tilt, muscle tremors, stumbling, lack of coordination, weakness of the limbs or partial paralysis," the ag department said. It's important to get vet care for horses to accurately diagnose West Nile.

Humans in Colorado have been diagnosed with West Nile this year as well, and there is no cure or vaccination that can prevent it.

Last year, 68 humans contracted the virus in Colorado, four of whom died.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment says most people infected with West Nile virus don't have symptoms, 20 percent have flu-like symptoms and under one percent "develop a serious, potentially deadly illness."

To protect yourself, here's what the DPHE recommends:

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. Follow label instructions.
• Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active.
• Wear protective clothing (long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks) in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection.

To mosquito-proof your home:

• Drain standing water around your house often. Empty water from tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, toys and puddles.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.

You can find out more info on the DPHE's West Nile virus web page. They have mosquito trap results and human case numbers.

For more WNV information:
• http://www.fightthebitecolorado.com
• https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/west-nile-virus
Image via Shutterstock

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