A gelding that I own contracted West Nile. The results have not come back to confirm from the lab but I am treating him with medications as though he does. (under the direction of my veterinarian) He has greatly improved and I am shocked at the results of the treatments. He was vaccinated for this in June and he still contracted the virus.
Encephalomyelitis in horses caused by infection with the West Nile virus. In the United States, 10 to 39% of infected horses show signs. Once signs appear, the death rate is approximately 30%.
This virus has been identified in all of the continental United States, most of Canada and Mexico. Several Central and South American countries have also identified WNV within their borders. The virus is transmitted from avian reservoir hosts by mosquitoes (and infrequently by other bloodsucking insects) to horses, humans and a number of other mammals. West Nile virus is transmitted by many different mosquito species and this varies geographically. The virus and mosquito host interactions result in regional change in virulence of the virus and no prediction can be made regarding future trends in local activity of the viruses. Horses and humans are considered to be dead-end hosts for WNV; the virus is not directly contagious from horse to horse or horse to human. Indirect transmission via mosquitoes from infected horses is highly unlikely as these horses do not circulate a significant amount of virus in their blood.
Encephalomyelitis in horses caused by infection with the West Nile virus. In the United States, 10 to 39% of infected horses show signs. Once signs appear, the death rate is approximately 30%.
This virus has been identified in all of the continental United States, most of Canada and Mexico. Several Central and South American countries have also identified WNV within their borders. The virus is transmitted from avian reservoir hosts by mosquitoes (and infrequently by other bloodsucking insects) to horses, humans and a number of other mammals. West Nile virus is transmitted by many different mosquito species and this varies geographically. The virus and mosquito host interactions result in regional change in virulence of the virus and no prediction can be made regarding future trends in local activity of the viruses. Horses and humans are considered to be dead-end hosts for WNV; the virus is not directly contagious from horse to horse or horse to human. Indirect transmission via mosquitoes from infected horses is highly unlikely as these horses do not circulate a significant amount of virus in their blood.
Prayers have worked and he continues to show progress daily. I am hoping we are out of the woods and recover more and more every day! Videos to follow if I can get them to upload...
This video is of when he first began showing signs:
I have his legs wrapped because of his uncoordinated walking with his front legs. He was beginning to get sores from losing his balance. This is by far the worst disease/sickness that I have seen in all the years that I have owned horses. It is heartbreaking because you feel helpless and all you want to do is make them feel better and comfortable. The virus needs to run its course and medications assist with the swelling of the brain and spinal cord (That is what West Nile does to horses).
This is a recent video taken after his treatments:
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