State Confirms West Nile Case in Monmouth County Horse

The New Jersey State Department of Agriculture announced that an 11-year-old horse in Monmouth County recently tested positive for West Nile Virus. 

Department spokesman Lynne Richmond said she did not have any information on which town the 11-year-old mare was from, but said there are no other reported instances throughout the county. 

The horse that tested positive had not been vaccinated for the disease, but that is something the department recomends for all horses in the state. "We urge horse owners to vaccinate their animals from serious mosquito-born illnesses such as West Nile Virus," said state Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. "We have found that animals that are vaccinated are less likely to contract these deadly diseases. 

According to a press release from the department, the animal first showed signs of the illness on Oct. 10 and is the first reported case of the year. Last year there were two reported cases of the disease and one reported case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) with all three animals being euthanized.

Richmond said that is not the case in this instance. "In some cases the horse is so ill they have to euthanize it," she said. "This horse I gather is not at that point and likely will recover."

Through the vaccination process Richmond said the number of cases have dropped dramatically from the 20 reported in 2004. Two years ago there were no reported cases in the state. She also said that some horses have still contracted the disease despite the vaccination.

Horse West Nile Virus is transmitted to the animals from infected mosquitos and not by horse to horse contact or any other manner. The state's Department of Environmental Protection has reported that due to the rain from heavy recent storms including Hurricane Irene the mosquito population has grown. With more flooding there has been more standing water allowing for more of the insects to be born. 

Horse owners with questions about the vaccines are encouraged to contact ther veterinarians if their shots are not up to date. All cases of West Nile Virus and EEE must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-292-3965 within 48 hours of confirmation.

More information about EEE and West Nile Virus can be found on the Department of Agriculture Web site.