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West Nile virus has been confirmed in three horses on three separate properties in Colorado, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
The Associated Press
This undated photo provided by the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District shows a Culex pipiens, left, the primary mosquito that can transmit West Nile virus to humans, birds and other animals.The three cases — in Pueblo, Larimer and Weld counties — are the first confirmed Colorado cases of the virus in horses this year, according to a news release. The cases were diagnosed this month by Colorado State University’s veterinary lab in Fort Collins.
Vaccines for horses have proven to be an effective prevention tool against West Nile; horses that have been vaccinated do need an annual booster, the release said.
Other prevention measures include:
- Horse owners reducing local mosquito populations and breeding areas by eliminating stagnant water sources.
- Keeping animals inside during mosquito feeding times, typically early in the morning and evening.
- Using mosquito repellent.
Owners who believe a horse may have been exposed to West Nile should contact the state veterinarian’s office at 303-869-9130.
