LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Two horses from Southern Nevada were euthanized after contracting West Nile Virus, the Nevada Department of Agriculture revealed on Wednesday.
The decision to euthanize the horses, which came from Clark and Nye Counties, respectively, came after their conditions did not improve with treatment.
“Two horses in southern Nevada have succumbed to symptoms from WNV,” said NDA State Veterinarian Peter Mundschenk, DVM. “These sad incidents emphasize the importance of vaccinating horses against the disease.”
Department officials are reminding valley owners to vaccinate their horses for West Nile Virus and Equine Encephalitis, another mosquito-borne illness. While the disease cannot be passed from horse to horse, the disease is transmitted from birds through mosquitos.
Both viruses are curable, but can lead to death if left untreated.
Owners are also urged to remove standing water from areas where horses may roam to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds.
For more information on vaccines, reach out to your local veterinarian.
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