A horse in Uintah County has tested positive for West Nile Virus. According to an EquiManagement press release, the 2-year-old unvaccinated Quarter Horse mare tested positive after developing clinical signs on September 15th, including ataxia which affects coordination and balance. She is currently recovering. A second horse tested positive in Utah this week. It was also a 2-year-old unvaccinated Quarter Horse mare but in that case the horse was from Salt Lake County and had to be euthanized. EquiManagement shares that not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit flu-like symptoms where the horse seems depressed; experiences twitching; has hypersensitivity to touch and sound; as well as other possible symptoms. “West Nile virus has no cure, however some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30 to 40 percent. Studies have shown that vaccines can be effective West Nile Virus prevention tools.” Horse owners are urged to seriously consider having their horses vaccinated.
