First 2014 case of equine West Nile virus confirmed in New Mexico

State officials are recommending mosquito control measures to protect both humans and horses after lab tests confirmed the state’s first known case of equine West Nile virus this year. The horse, which resided at a property in Albuquerque’s South Valley, had to be euthanized last week after developing West Nile virus. The animal had not been vaccinated against the disease. The case comes two months into New Mexico’s monsoon season, which has given rise to mosquito populations that can carry West Nile virus and transmit it to horses and human alike. “Because of the large amounts of rainfall New Mexico received recently, mosquito populations are increasing, and we should expect West Nile virus activity throughout the state,” said Dr. Paul Ettestad, public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus infections in New Mexico this year. The state typically sees most of its West Nile virus cases in both humans and horses in August and September...more