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Manhattan, Kan. - The Kansas Department
of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of multiple
confirmed cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses across the state over the
past few weeks. Confirmed cases have been reported in Lyon, Seward, Neosho,
Marion and Wichita counties.
WNV is a preventable
disease, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. All of the
confirmed cases of WNV in Kansas were in unvaccinated horses or horses with an
unknown vaccination history so were assumed to be unvaccinated. All horse
owners should consult with their local veterinarians and make a vaccination
plan for their horses.
WNV is a virus that can
infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Horses infected with WNV can
have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe
neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and
hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses. If you see
symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The virus is carried
and transmitted by mosquitoes; it is not directly contagious from horse to
horse or from horse to human. WNV is a reportable disease in Kansas, which
means veterinarians are required by law to report any confirmed cases to the
State Veterinarian.
For
more information about West Nile virus or other animal disease issues in
Kansas, go to the KDA Division of Animal Health website at agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalDiseaseControl.
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