What is the status of horse (equine) West Nile Virus Infection?
From January 2002 through July 15, 2002, equine illness caused by West Nile virus (WNV) infection has been confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in 16 horses from 4 states: Florida (7), Louisiana (7), North Dakota (1), and Texas (1). The equine cases in North Dakota and Texas are the first ever detected in those states. Of the 16 horses confirmed by the NVSL, 8 (50 percent) were reported as having died or been euthanatized. The numbers of equine deaths associated with WNV infection by State are: Florida, 4; Louisiana, 2; North Dakota, 1; and Texas, 1. Additional reports of equine WNV cases have been made by state officials. The total number of equine WNV cases reported from 5 states is 24: Florida (7), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (6), North Dakota (1), and Texas (8). Some of the state reports include cases that have not been confirmed by the NVSL and some reports do not include all the cases confirmed by the NVSL.
From January 2002 through July 15, 2002, equine illness caused by West Nile virus (WNV) infection has been confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in 16 horses from 4 states: Florida (7), Louisiana (7), North Dakota (1), and Texas (1). The equine cases in North Dakota and Texas are the first ever detected in those states.
