The following message was distributed by the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office on July 28, 2023.
A gelding residing in Weld County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV); this is Colorado’s first confirmed equine WNV case in 2023. The horse presented with sudden neurological symptoms including weakness, stumbling and recumbency. The gelding was euthanized as a result of his condition. The age and vaccine status for this gelding are unknown.
The first human case of West Nile Virus this year was confirmed in LaPlata County on July 24, 2023. Mosquito pools from Arapahoe, Boulder, Delta, Denver, Larimer, Pueblo, and Weld counties have tested positive for WNV this summer. Due to the heavy snowpack last winter and a wet spring, mosquito levels have been high throughout the state. Weld, Larimer, and Boulder counties have seen especially high activity, with record mosquito numbers in some areas. The positive human case, equine case and mosquito pools are a reminder that WNV is actively circulating in Colorado and continues to pose a risk to people and unvaccinated equines. CDPHE publishes data on human West Nile cases and positive mosquito pools on the CDPHE WNV website.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a viral disease that cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes, and can sometimes affect other species like people and horses (as dead-end hosts). Clinical cases in horses are typically characterized by anorexia, depression and neurological signs, which may include ataxia, weakness or paralysis of one or more limbs, teeth grinding, aimless wandering, convulsions and/or circling. For information on human WNV symptoms and prevention see West Nile virus and your health | Department of Public Health & Environment.
WNV prevention in horses
Vaccines in horses have proven to be a safe and effective prevention tool for West Nile Virus. Horses that have been vaccinated in past years need an annual booster. If the horse had not been previously vaccinated, they will need the two-shot vaccination series within a three to four week period (or according to vaccine labels). Visit the AAEP website for a comprehensive list of vaccination recommendations.
In addition to vaccinations, horse owners also should work diligently to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas. Recommendations include removing stagnant water sources, using mosquito repellents, and keeping animals inside during the bugs’ feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and evening.
Information for veterinarians
All cases of acute equine neurologic disease must be reported to the State Veterinarian’s Office, unless the cause is known toxicity or trauma. Call our office at 303-869-9130 to report suggestive signs of reportable diseases, even if the disease has not been confirmed. If it is after-hours, our office phone message will indicate which staff veterinarian is on call.
Many equine neurologic diseases are clinically indistinguishable, so prompt reporting and diagnostics are important components of response for many of our reportable equine neurological conditions.
Please visit our Reportable Disease Page for more information on reportable diseases and how to use our online reporting tool. Here’s a direct link to our Equine Neurologic Disease webpage for more information on the reportable equine neurologic diseases, clinical signs, testing, and additional resources.
While awaiting test results, neurologic horses should be isolated and biosecurity measures shall be put in place due to the potential for disease transmission. Some neurologic diseases in horses are zoonotic, so precautions should be taken for veterinarians, owners, and anyone else interacting with the horse while waiting for results. See the following resources:
NASPHV Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention (2015)
AAEP Guidelines: Suspected Case of Infectious Neurologic Disease
