West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that affects humans, birds, and other animals, including horses. It is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex species. WNV can cause a range of symptoms in horses, from mild illness to severe neurological disease, and here in East Tennessee, like other areas, it poses a significant threat to equine health and welfare.
 
WNV is primarily transmitted to horses through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on birds carrying the virus, which serve as reservoir hosts. Horses are considered dead-end hosts, meaning they do not produce enough virus in their blood to infect other mosquitoes and perpetuate the transmission cycle. Therefore, horses do not play a significant role in the spread of WNV to humans or other animals.
 
Horses infected with WNV may exhibit a range of clinical signs, including fever, weakness, loss of appetite, depression, and muscle stiffness or weakness. In more severe cases, horses may develop neurological signs such as ataxia (incoordination), muscle twitching, hyperexcitability, head pressing, circling, and paralysis. Neurological forms of WNV infection can be life-threatening and may require intensive veterinary care.
 
Diagnosis of WNV in horses is based on clinical signs, history of mosquito exposure, and laboratory testing. Blood tests, such as serology (detection of antibodies to WNV) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of blood or cerebrospinal fluid, may be used to confirm infection. Differential diagnosis may include other viral or bacterial causes of neurological disease in horses.
 
There is no specific treatment for WNV in horses, and supportive care is the mainstay of management. Treatment may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fever and inflammation, intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, and supportive measures to manage neurological symptoms. Severely affected horses may require hospitalization and intensive care.
 
Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing WNV infection in horses. Vaccines against WNV are available and are typically administered annually or semi-annually, depending on the risk of exposure in a particular region. Other preventive measures include reducing mosquito breeding sites (such as stagnant water sources), using insect repellents on horses, and implementing mosquito control measures on the premises.
 
While horses can serve as sentinels for WNV activity in each area, they do not pose a direct public health risk. However, the presence of WNV in horses may indicate an increased risk of human infection in the same area. Therefore, monitoring WNV activity in horses can help public health authorities implement appropriate mosquito control measures to reduce the risk of human cases.
 
West Nile Virus is a significant concern for horse owners and veterinarians due to its potential to cause severe illness and neurological disease in horses. Vaccination, along with mosquito control measures and vigilant monitoring for clinical signs, is essential for protecting horses from WNV infection and minimizing its impact on equine health and welfare.