Since mid-August, the Nébih laboratory has confirmed the West Nile virus in 12 horses and one dead stork
Taking into account the life cycle of the mosquitoes that spread the disease and the experience of the past years, the presence of the disease in Hungary should be expected until late autumn. Nébih draws the attention of horse owners to the importance of preventive vaccination, as well as the need to comply with animal health regulations, as the disease can also lead to the death of the animal.

(Photo: Pixabay)
The natural hosts of the virus are wild birds, the main role in its spread is played by mosquitoes that suck blood from them, so diseases can appear in greater numbers after mosquito bites (rain). In addition to birds and ungulates, humans are also susceptible to West Nile fever. However, it is important that the disease does not spread directly from one animal to another or to humans, the virus is spread only by mosquitoes. In the majority of cases, the infection goes unnoticed, no illness occurs, it is only possible to show that the animal or the person has been infected with a blood test.
The pathogen can be deadly
If the infection – in a small part of the cases – causes a disease that manifests itself in symptoms, then in the case of horses it is accompanied by general symptoms of fever and various nervous system symptoms caused by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Some of the horses showing symptoms may die, or euthanasia may become necessary due to severe symptoms. However, sick animals can recover completely over time. You can protect yourself against infection by preventive vaccination, using mosquito nets and exterminating insects.
West Nile fever is an animal disease that must be reported to the other EU member states and the international organization WOAH
An animal keeper who notices the symptoms of an animal disease must notify the veterinarian, the veterinarian will take an appropriate sample if the disease is suspected, and the laboratory test can confirm the suspicion. Nébih asks horse owners – during the period until late autumn – to be extra vigilant and to notify their veterinarian immediately if symptoms of the disease arise. Since the middle of August this year, the disease has been diagnosed in animals in 9 counties (Bács-Kiskun, Csongrád-Csanád; Hajdú-Bihar, Fejér, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Nógrád, Pest, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg and Tolna). The counties and settlements affected by the infection can be viewed on the “Outbreaks and Exemptions” subpage of Nébih’s website. Until the middle of September, in addition to Hungary, six other EU member states (Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria, France) reported cases in horses, as well as in wild and captive wild birds. On the website of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), data related to the occurrence of the disease – updated on a weekly basis – are publicly available and can be tracked.
Nébih
Related news
A demonstration on arable land hay and green fodder took place in Tordas
In April 2025, Nébih organized a Hay and Green Forage…
Read more >Nébih provided an overview of the economically most important pathogens of sunflower
The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) held a pathology…
Read more >Antibiotic sales data for veterinary medicines are improving
The European Medicines Agency has published the first ESUAvet report…
Read more >Related news
Viktor Orbán: we will introduce margin reduction for new products as well, if necessary
The margin regulation must be maintained because people must be…
Read more >Healthy meat products rich in fiber and protein have been developed in Debrecen
A new product line consisting of health-promoting, fiber- and protein-rich…
Read more >German retail sales fell month-on-month in April
In Germany, retail sales fell by 1.1 percent in real…
Read more >