## Overview West Nile virus encephalitis is mosquito-borne inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Many infected horses show no signs. Those that do develop fever, muscle tremors (especially of the face and muzzle), stumbling, hypersensitivity to touch and sound, ataxia, and in severe cases recumbency. There is no specific cure. Supportive care is given while the horse fights the infection. Vaccination and mosquito control have reduced cases. ## Causes West Nile virus transmitted by mosquitoes. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and blood or cerebrospinal fluid testing for antibodies. ## Treatment Supportive care, anti-inflammatories, and nursing. Mortality in clinical cases is significant. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable. Mild cases often recover. Recumbent horses have a poorer outlook. Some have residual deficits. ## Prevention Annual vaccination and mosquito control.
fever; muscle tremors; stumbling; hypersensitivity to touch and sound; recumbency in severe cases; facial fasciculations; ataxia; hind-limb weakness
## Overview West Nile virus encephalitis is mosquito-borne inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Many infected horses show no signs. Those that do develop fever, muscle tremors (especially of the face and muzzle), stumbling, hypersensitivity to touch and sound, ataxia, and in severe cases recumbency. There is no specific cure. Supportive care is given while the horse fights the infection. Vaccination and mosquito control have reduced cases. ## Causes West Nile virus transmitted by mosquitoes. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and blood or cerebrospinal fluid testing for antibodies. ## Treatment Supportive care, anti-inflammatories, and nursing. Mortality in clinical cases is significant. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable. Mild cases often recover. Recumbent horses have a poorer outlook. Some have residual deficits. ## Prevention Annual vaccination and mosquito control.
fever; muscle tremors; stumbling; hypersensitivity to touch and sound; recumbency in severe cases; facial fasciculations; ataxia; hind-limb weakness