West Nile Virus Tip Sheet

** For a print friendly version click here.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that cause
encephalitis (swelling of the brain and spinal cord).
All horse's symptoms will vary, some may not show any
symptoms, while others may show a few or all of the symptoms
listed below. * If your horse has any of the following
symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately!

The incubation period of the WNV is 5-15 days starting
the day the horse was bitten. The most common signs that
may affect the horse are:

*   Altered gait in the horse
*   Muscle tremors & (muzzle twitching)
*   Fever ( not as common)
*   Depression
*   Loss of appetite
*   Inability to swallow
*   Circling
*   Impaired vision or blindness
*   Weakness of the hind legs
*   Head pressing
*   Lower lip may droop
*   Partial paralysis (usually starts in hind legs)
*   Convulsion and or seizures
*   Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination such as moving or standing)
*   Drunken appearance (stumble, wander aimlessly)
*   Hyper-excitability
*   Head leaning (against and object) and tilted head
*   Coma and death

 

*** For information on WNV in Pregnant mares click here.


 
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