| Stanislaus
County – The Stanislaus County West Nile Virus Task Force is
reporting a case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a horse in Stanislaus County.
This would be the first known case in which a horse has been infected in
Stanislaus County. 28 birds have tested positive for the virus in Stanislaus
County and there have been no confirmed human cases of the disease.
Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on birds that have high levels
of the virus in the blood. The mosquitoes then pass the virus onto horses
while feeding on them. Not every horse exposed to the virus will develop
WNV. Of the horses that do develop clinical signs, approximately 30 percent
will succumb to the disease.
Signs of the disease in horses include stumbling, staggering, wobbling,
weakness, muscle twitching or inability to stand. A veterinarian should
be consulted if a horse is exhibiting these signs.
The West Nile Virus Task Force strongly recommends that horse owners
get their horses vaccinated for the disease. Vaccinations for horses are
available. Horse owners should contact a veterinarian to discuss this
preventive measure. There is not an approved West Nile virus vaccine for
humans.
Media Contacts/Subject Matter Experts:
- Dr. Ingrid Miller - 491-9350 – California Department of Food
and Agriculture, the lead agency on equine case
- Dr. Debbie Greer – 604-2500 - Director of Animal Services for
Stanislaus County
- Dr. Bill Wetmore – 545-5907 - Spokeperson Northern San Joaquin
Veterinarian Medical Association
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