First Cases of 2019 West Nile Virus Found
Broomfield, Colo. - The Colorado Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a total of three horses residing on separate locations in Larimer, Pueblo and Weld Counties have been diagnosed with West Nile virus (WNV). The three cases are Colorado's first confirmed cases of WNV in horses in 2019. These index cases were diagnosed by Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Collins in late August, 2019. Vaccines in horses have proven to be a very effective prevention tool for WNV, and horses that have been vaccinated in past years do need an annual booster. If a horse has not been vaccinated in previous years, it will need the two-shot vaccination series within a three to four week period. In addition to vaccinations as a preventative measure, horse owners should also reduce local mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas. Recommendations include removing stagnant water sources, keeping animals inside during t...