2 Uintah County horses infected with West Nile virus

2 Uintah County horses infected with West Nile virus

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SALT LAKE CITY — State officials now say a second case of equine West Nile has been reported to the agency, with two horses in Uintah County contracting the deadly virus.

The cases are the first this year and follow the death of five horses in 2015 in Uintah and Emery counties, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

Utah horse owners are advised to vaccinate their horses in order to protect them from the virus. A very safe, affordable and effective vaccine is available.

“Since West Nile virus symptoms in horses in surrounding states have been increasing in recent days, Utah horse owners are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their animals,” said state veterinarian Dr. Barry Pittman. “Protective steps would include a good vaccination protocol, mosquito control, and cleanup of areas around barns and stables to minimize mosquito populations,” he added.

Two horses in Boundary County, Idaho, contracted the virus in mid-August and died. Neither had been vaccinated. Cases have also occurred in Wisconsin, New York, Texas and Nevada.

Data shows that 80 percent of cases in horses occur during the months of August and September. The virus is spread by mosquitos and can affect both humans and animals.

On Aug. 16, Salt Lake County Health officials announced that an individual had been hospitalized with a severe, neuroinvasive form of West Nile virus.

West Nile virus is a reportable disease and is part of a statewide information and alert system designed to protect animal and human health.

More information on how to protect your animal against the virus is available at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food's website.

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Amy Joi O'Donoghue

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