Story Created: Aug 9, 2013 at 1:18 PM EDT
Story Updated: Aug 9, 2013 at 2:08 PM EDT
The Oneida County Health Department today confirmed that a horse living on a farm in Vernon has been infected with West Nile encephalitis, an inflammation of the central nervous system, which is caused by infection with West Nile Virus (WNV).
They say the yearling, one of several horses on the property, first displayed symptoms last week and was eventually paralyzed in the hind limbs.
A positive confirmation of West Nile Virus was made earlier in the week.
The horse has shown improvement and is standing following supportive veterinarian care, though he is still displaying some residual ataxia in the hind legs.
None of the other horses on the farm have shown signs of the disease. The affected animal had no history of travel and is in no way connected to nearby Vernon Downs Raceway, according to health department officials.
According to Oneida County Health Department officials, an animal can become infected with West Nile Virus after being bitten by certain species of mosquitoes which have been infected with the disease. Animals cannot transmit WNV to other animals or humans. The Oneida County Health Department monitors the mosquito population throughout the summer and as yet found no positive pools for West Nile Virus.
Infection with West Nile Virus does not always lead to clinical illness, but horses do appear to be a species that is susceptible, Dr. Daniel Gilmore, Director of Environmental Health said. When illness does occur it affects the animals central nervous system and may cause symptoms of encephalitis including:
While there is no specific treatment for West Nile encephalitis, supportive veterinary care is recommended.
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West Nile Virus confirmed in Vernon horse