The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is urging all horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus following confirmed cases across the state. To date, horses have tested positive in 11 counties, including Uintah County. Of the confirmed cases, 14 horses have been treated and 6 were euthanized. “Vaccination is the most effective way to protect horses from West Nile virus,” shares State Veterinarian Dr. Amanda Price. “The vaccines are safe, low cost, and provide strong protection, while treatment for infected horses can be very expensive and does not guarantee recovery.” West Nile Virus is spread primarily by mosquitos and can cause serious illness or death in unvaccinated horses. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announcement states that clinical signs may include stumbling, lack of coordination, muscle twitching, weakness, or paralysis. “While some horses recover with intensive treatment, many do not survive; the disease kills up to 35% of infected horses, and up to 40% of the horses that survive never fully recover.”
