West Nile Virus Guidelines for Horse Owners

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) in humans and horses. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds and transmit it. Prevention measures for horses include vaccination and control of the disease-carrying vector, the mosquito. The publication includes recommendations for both prevention measures.