\(Sept. 8, 2023) - The state veterinarian confirms that a horse in Gibson County has testedpositive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
“The recent case of WNV is a reminder of measures horse owners can take to prevent this disease and others,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said. “Environmental controls against mosquitoes can stave off WNV, and horse owners should vaccinate against thevirus. There is no cure for WNV, so prevention is key.”
WNV is transmitted directly from infected mosquitos to equines, birds, and humans but not between animals or people. Symptoms in horses may include fever, weakness, weight loss, and circling or convulsions. WNV can cause lasting effects and can be fatal. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness in your animals.
Tips to prevent vector-borne viruses include:
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division is responsible for promoting animal health in Tennessee. The state veterinarian’s office seeks to prevent the spread of disease through import and movement requirements, livestock traceability, disaster mitigation, and the services of the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory.
The division collaborates with other health-related stakeholders, academic institutions, and extension services to support One Health, an initiative to improve health for people and animals.
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