Duchesne County Quarter Horse Filly Euthanized Due To West Nile Virus

A case of equine West Nile Virus has ended in euthanization in northeastern Utah. The Equine Disease Communication Center reports that a yearling Quarter Horse filly in Duchesne County started showing clinical signs of West Nile Virus on August 15th, being too weak to stand. After confirmation of West Nile Virus on August 20th the horse was euthanized. The latest report from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services confirms that 6 total cases of West Nile Virus in horses have been reported in Utah this year with one of those being the case in Duchesne County. 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. Studies have shown that vaccines can be effective in preventing West Nile Virus in horses. Horse owners are urged to consider having their horses vaccinated.