Urgent Equine and Human Health Alert:
Animal Medical Services’ Dr. Brianna Idleman was called out to a farm in Westfield, NC on October 6, 2012 to examine a lame horse. The patient, unfortunately quickly progressed from difficulty walking to bizarre neurologic symptoms such as inability to use one front leg, facial muscle twitching and inability to rise. After attempting treatment for 24 hours the decision was made to euthanize Blaze. A necropsy, performed by NC Regional Diagnostic lab, diagnosed this horse with West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus, spread by mosquitoes, can be deadly to horses and to humans.
***We strongly recommend vaccination of all horses for West Nile Virus and that all our clients take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Contact us for more information.***
See these links for additional information:
Center for Disease Control: West Nile Virus Information
APHIS: West Nile Virus in Horses
AAEP: West Nile Virus Vaccination Guidelines