Utah, New Jersey and Ontario, Canada, reported cases of equine West Nile virus (WNV). New Jersey also reported the state’s third case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
Utah Reports Five Cases Equine WNV
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food confirmed that five horses located in Duchesne, Tooele, Cache and Sevier Counties have tested positive for equine West Nile virus. Three of the horses were treated and are recovering. There have been a total of 39 confirmed cases of WNV in Utah for 2017. For more information go to ag.utah.gov/animal.
New Jersey Reports Third Equine EEE Case
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture confirmed Eastern equine encephalitis in an unvaccinated 15-year-old Cumberland County mare. The onset of the illnesses was September 30, and the mare was euthanized. This is the third reported case in 2017 of EEE in New Jersey.
New Jersey’s First Equine WNV Cases in 2017
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture confirmed the first cases of West Nile virus in 2017. The first was in a 1-year-old colt in Gloucester County in late September. The colt was given an initial vaccination, but he did not receive a booster shot. The colt is being treated. The onset of illness was unknown. A second case of WNV in 2017 was in a 10-year-old Salem County stallion. The stallion was unvaccinated and is being treated for its illness. The onset of illness was September 29.
Ontario Reports Multiple Equine WNV Cases
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that since September 20, a total of six cases of West Nile virus have occurred in Bruce County, Simcoe County, Durham County, Grey County, Sudbury District and the Regional Municipality of Niagara. The horses included four geldings and two mares with ages ranging from 2 to 15 years. Clinical signs ranged from hind end weakness and lethargy to recumbency, facial paralysis and severe hyperesthesia. Three of the horses were euthanized and three are recovering under veterinary supervision. Five horses were unvaccinated and one had an unknown vaccination history. The total number of WNV cases reported in Ontario this year is 18.
For more information visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/nhd_surv2017.htm or http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/french/livestock/horses/facts/nhd_surv2017.htm.
The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) works to protect horses and the horse industry from the threat of infectious diseases in North America. The communication system is designed to seek and report real time information about disease outbreaks similar to how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts the human population about diseases in people.
