First West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Kandiyohi County

(KNSI) – Minnesota’s first reported West Nile virus case of 2022 was confirmed in Kandiyohi County this week.

According to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, an unvaccinated 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare was euthanized in late July due to deteriorating neurologic conditions. Tests were ordered to confirm a cause of death, and the results were positive for the West Nile virus. More than 30 other horses are boarded at the same facility, and the owner reports they’re all current on their West Nile virus vaccinations and appear healthy at this time. Infected horses cannot spread the virus to people or other horses.

“This is an unfortunate, preventable, outcome from a disease we see pop up pretty much every year around this time,” said Dr. Brian Hoefs, Senior Veterinarian of the Equine Program. “Horse owners and their veterinarians should keep a routine vaccination program, including West Nile virus, to reduce the risk of preventable diseases and increase the animal’s chances of recovering fully if they’re infected.”

West Nile virus is regularly found in the U.S., and birds serve as the primary host of the disease. The virus circulates between infected birds and mosquitoes. Once infected, the mosquitoes can transmit the virus to horses or people.

Learn more about how to stop the spread of West Nile by clicking here.

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