DOVER, Del. – The Office of the State Veterinarian announced Delaware saw five confirmed cases and one suspected case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in horses during September and October.
The cases occurred in Kent County between Sept. 9 and Oct. 16 among unvaccinated horses and were the first reports in 2023.
One of the infected horses was euthanized, while three recovered and the status of another is unknown, according to the State Veterinarian.
WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are diseases transmitted to people, horses and other animals from mosquito bites.
Signs of the infection in horses may include fever, head pressing, anorexia, depression, muscle spasms, blindness or weakness. Owners who notice any of these symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately, according to the press release.
Animal health professionals trained in diagnosing or recognizing animal diseases are required to report suspected or confirmed WNV cases to the State Veterinarian within 24 hours.
The State Veterinarian urges horse owners to update WNV and EEE vaccinations, and reminds the public to avoid mosquito bites.