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West Nile Virus

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of August 5th 2014, WNV infections in birds and veterinary animals have been reported in the state of Arizona. West Nile Virus infections have also been reported in humans in Arizona.
10 Tips for Reducing Your Horse’s West Nile Risk:
Since first being recognized in the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has posed a serious threat to horses and humans alike. In the equine population, the virus is transmitted when a mosquito takes a blood meal from a bird infected with WNV, then feeds on a horse. While many horses exposed to WNV experience no signs of illness, the virus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, especially in older horses, WNV can be fatal.
As a horse owner, prevention is the key to reducing your horse’s risk of contracting WNV. Follow these guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to protect your horse against WNV: