First West Nile virus infection confirmed in a horse in Belgium
For the first time, a West Nile virus infection has been confirmed in a horse in Belgium. This news was announced by the Walloon veterinary association UPV. The virus is an infectious disease primarily transmitted by mosquitoes.
West Nile virus is normally more common in warmer countries, but due to changing weather conditions, the virus is spreading further north. The virus is transmitted from birds to mosquitoes, which can then infect humans or animals such as horses.
Although the virus can lead to neurological symptoms in horses, there is currently no reason for major panic among the general population in Belgium. Most people who become infected with the virus show no symptoms or only mild ones, such as fever or headache.
Veterinarians advise horse owners to be extra alert to the health of their animals. It is important to keep stables as mosquito-free as possible and to limit contact with stagnant water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, as much as possible.
The authorities are closely monitoring the situation. It is being investigated whether there are more infections in the region. For the time being, it remains this one confirmed case in Belgium.