West Nile

[rancher]

Horse gets West Nile, destroyed
Associated Press

HELENA - The Montana state veterinarian on Monday confirmed the season's first case of West Nile virus in a Montana horse.

Dr. Tom Linfield said the 4-year-old horse from Blaine County had not been vaccinated against the mosquito-borne disease and had to be euthanized.

Mosquitoes in Sheridan, Prairie, Custer and Valley counties have also been confirmed with the virus this season.


Infection can cause encephalitis, affecting the nervous system, and can cause severe complications and death in horses as well as humans.

Vaccination and mosquito control continue to be recommended as methods to help protect horses against the virus.

"There are USDA-licensed vaccines available to help prevent equine cases of WNV encephalitis, and for horses not previously vaccinated, two initial doses given three to six weeks apart are recommended," Linfield said.