Equine West Nile Confirmed In Washington

The first case of equine West Nile Virus in Washington has been confirmed.  The Washington State Department of Agriculture announced Thursday a 10-year old quarter horse in Spokane County is the first horse to contract West Nile virus this year.  The horse, which was unvaccinated, reportedly has coordination problems with its rear legs and muscle tremors, but is improving.  WSDA confirmed 27 equine West Nile virus cases last year.

Of those, seven horses died or were euthanized.  Last year, ten Washington counties reported the virus, including Benton, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Yakima, Spokane, Stevens and Pend Oreille.

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