DOVER, Del. – The Office of the State Veterinarian announced Delaware has had five confirmed cases and one suspected case of West Nile Virus (WNV) recently reported in Delaware horses.
According to the office, these are the first Delaware cases of WNV in horses in 2023, with the cases occurring between September 9 and October 16, 2023.
All of the recent cases involve horses that were not vaccinated, including:
- 1-year-old Standardbred mare, Kent County, confirmed case, recovered
- 3-year-old Standardbred mare, Kent County, suspected case, recovered
- 6-year-old Standardbred mare, Kent County, confirmed case, euthanized
- 20-year-old Percheron mare, New Castle County, confirmed case, recovered
- 1-year-old Standardbred colt, Kent County, confirmed case, recovered
- 14-year-old Standardbred mare, Kent County, confirmed, outcome unknown
Officials say signs of infection in horses include fever (although not always with WNV), anorexia, head pressing, depression or personality change, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, convulsions, muscle spasms in the head and neck, or hind-limb weakness. If owners notice any of these signs in their horses, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
The office says horse owners can take several additional steps in the barn and around the farm to help protect horses from mosquito bites. According to officials, horses should be kept inside during dawn and dusk, peak hours for mosquito activity.
Topical insect repellents labeled for use on horses may be applied. The wind generated by fans installed in horse stalls can also help deter mosquitoes. Old tires and containers should be disposed of, and standing water should be eliminated. Water troughs or buckets should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled every 2-3 days, if possible, to remove any mosquito eggs or larvae.
For more information about WNV or EEE:
- To report suspected cases of human West Nile Virus, contact the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (OIDE) at 302-744-4990 during normal business hours from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; 1-888-295-5196 outside of normal business hours; fax: 302-622-4194; or email reportdisease@delaware.gov.
- Animal health questions should be directed to the Delaware Department of Agriculture at 302-698-4500. Ask for the Poultry and Animal Health Section.
- Questions about the state’s mosquito control program or mosquito biology should be directed to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Mosquito Control Section at 302-739-9917.
