How could a horse get West Nile Virus?
Horses become infected with West Nile virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The mosquito acquires the virus by feeding on an infected bird and then the mosquito transmits the virus when it feeds on a horse, human or other mammal. Horses and humans are considered “dead end hosts,” meaning they cannot transmit the West Nile virus to other horses, birds or people.
Horses become infected with West Nile virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The mosquito acquires the virus by feeding on an infected bird and then the mosquito transmits the virus when it feeds on a horse, human or other mammal. Horses and humans are considered “dead end hosts,” meaning they cannot transmit the West Nile virus to other horses, birds or people. Horses in the United States have been infected with the virus.
