Disease Alerts

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has confirmed five cases of Equine West Nile virus. An unvaccinated, 19-year-old mare in Clinton County showed an onset of clinical signs which included lethargy, unwillingness to move, muscle tremors and ataxia. The mare was treated for several days but was ultimately euthanized on September 20^th. An unvaccinated 13-year-old mare in Livingston County was found in her stall with a swollen muzzle and signs consistent with being cast on September 14^th. The mare was uncoordinated and reluctant to move upon examination but was still alive at the time of the report. A 2-year-old colt with no vaccination history in St Lawrence County presented with hind end weakness, was hyper-responsive to stimuli, and muscle tremors in the shoulders on September 12^th. The outcome of the case is unknown. An unvaccinated, yearling filly in Erie County showed an onset of clinical signs on September 15^th which progressed from off feed to a high fever and neurologic signs including twitching of the head, uncoordinated walk, and tail held off to the side. Despite treatment, the horse continued to decline, went down on September 21^stwith seizures, and was euthanized the same day. A yearling filly in Genesee County with no vaccination history showed onset of clinical signs on September 15^th which included leaning and unsteadiness. A veterinarian attended the filly on September 16^th. The owners elected euthanasia.