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A Wisconsin horse has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
State Veterinarian Dr. Paul McGraw, with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, says a 4 1/2 year old mare in St. Croix County became ill, and has now been treated for the virus. McGraw says the horse is recovering.
Veterinarians are reminding horse owners to vaccinate their animals for both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus annually. The viruses can only be transmitted by mosquitoes feeding on warm blooded animals and humans, and cannot be transferred by contact. The Encephalitis virus kills about 90 percent of the horses that get it, and West Nile Virus kills about one-third of the horses it infects.
DATCP officials advise everyone to eliminate places where water can collect, like buckets and old tires. You should also empty birdbaths regularly, chlorinate outdoor pools and spas, and keep water from collecting on top of pool covers.
WSAU