Attention horse owners: protection against

By: STA Date: 2024. 08. 13. 10:00

West Nile fever is recommended So far this year, the Nébih laboratory has confirmed the presence of West Nile fever infection in 3 horses: the first case was established by the authority at the beginning of August. Based on the life cycle of the mosquitoes that spread the disease, as well as the experience of the past years, it is possible to count on the presence of this disease in Hungary every year from August to October. The disease accompanied by fever and nervous system symptoms caused by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord can lead to the death of the animal in some cases. Nébih therefore draws the attention of horse owners to the symptoms typical of the disease, as well as the importance of mosquito protection.

(Photo: Pixabay)

The resistance of the virus outside the living organism is small, it is maintained in the environment by birds and mosquitoes. Since the virus concentration reaches the required level only in birds, mosquitoes can only be infected by birds. The disease does not spread from one animal to another or to humans, the pathogen is directly transmitted only by mosquitoes. Diseases can therefore typically appear in greater numbers after mosquito bites (rain). Horses, donkeys, cattle, sheep, camels and humans are also susceptible to the virus.

Infection can be fatal for horses

In the case of horses, the disease is associated with feverish general symptoms and nervous system symptoms caused by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord (loss of appetite, lacrimation, difficulty breathing, and after a few days weakness of the hind limbs, paralysis, death). Some of the horses die or the severe symptoms make it necessary to euthanize the sick animals, in other cases the symptoms subside and the sick animals fully recover over time. So far this year, the disease has been diagnosed in 3 counties (Komárom-Esztergom, Győr-Moson-Sopron; Fejér). The counties and settlements affected by the infection can be viewed on the “Outbreaks and Exemptions” subpage of the Nébih website. Horses can be protected against West Nile fever by preventive vaccination, by extermination of animals in the vicinity of livestock premises in compliance with environmental protection and animal health regulations, and by the use of mosquito nets.

West Nile fever is a notifiable animal disease

In addition to the increased attention of horse owners, Nébih asks that they notify their veterinarian immediately if symptoms of the disease arise. The serological and virological examination of animals showing nervous system symptoms for the detection of West Nile fever is carried out at public expense. All persons who supervise and care for the animals, as well as those who come in contact with the animals, are obliged to make the notification to the service provider or official veterinarian. In addition to Hungary, seven other EU member states have so far reported cases in horses and wild and captive wild birds. On the website of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), data related to human infections are publicly available and traceable, and are updated on a weekly basis (Weekly updates: 2024 West Nile virus transmission season (europa.eu)).

Nébih