News

West Nile found in Wisconsin horse

A Wisconsin horse has tested positive for West Nile virus. 

Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection officials say the affected horse is a 21-year-old paint mare in Dunn County.  It’s the first case of West Nile in Wisconsin this year.

The disease can cause brain inflammation in horses and people, and it is fatal in 30% to 40% of horses showing signs of illness.  While humans can be infected, the virus does not pass directly between people and horses.

Symptoms of West Nile for horses include fever, incoordination, hind-end weakness, depression, loss of appetite, muscle tremors, teeth grinding, inability to swallow, head pressing, excessive sweating, and going down with an inability to rise.