In South Holland, an infection of the West Nile virus in a horse has been officially confirmed based on a sample taken by the NVWA. This is the second horse that has tested positive and the first horse in the Netherlands where this has been officially confirmed.
The West Nile virus is a viral disease that occurs in birds and is transmitted by mosquitoes. An infected horse cannot transmit the West Nile virus to humans or other animals. The spread of the West Nile virus always requires an infected mosquito. Additionally, horses can be vaccinated against the West Nile virus. Therefore, the detection of the virus in the horse is not an immediate cause for concern. However, the infection does indicate that the virus is present in the Netherlands.
Most horses do not become ill from the West Nile virus, and an infection proceeds without symptoms. About 20% of horses do become ill, a small portion of which may be severe.
Reporting
It is important to recognize symptoms in horses and report any suspicions to the NVWA. You can report here.
The symptoms are:
- fever and flu-like symptoms
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- apathy
- neurological symptoms, such as paralysis
Laboratories testing for the West Nile virus are also required to report a positive result to the NVWA. West Nile fever is not a mandatory reportable animal disease. In the event of an infection, the NVWA discusses with the animal owner what measures are necessary to prevent other horses from becoming infected. These measures are primarily focused on controlling mosquitoes and the options for vaccinating horses.
More information
More information about the West Nile virus in horses can be found on the NVWA website. Information about the West Nile virus in humans can be found on the RIVM website.
