West Nile virus has been found in three horses in the German state of Brandenburg. Two horses have died. According to Royal GD, it underlines the importance of monitoring, so that rapid tracing is possible.
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The West Nile virus outbreak is in the Dahme-Spreewald district, south of the German capital Berlin. West Nile virus is a viral disease that can affect horses, mules and donkeys. In 90 percent of the cases, the infection with the virus is without symptoms. In 10 percent of the cases, the horses develop neurological symptoms, such as paralysis, muscle weakness and impaired coordination. One third of the animals die in acute neurological symptoms.
The reservoir for the West Nile virus are migratory birds. Mosquitoes transmit the virus to the horses. Horses cannot transmit it to humans. However, a person can be infected by mosquitoes. This happened for the first time in the Netherlands last year.
The West Nile virus is notifiable. The Netherlands is officially free of the disease. According to GD, it is important to stay free from this virus disease. Veterinarians can make an important contribution to this. During the season in which the virus can be transmitted to horses by mosquitoes, from June to November, GD recommends sending in a blood sample from all horses with neurological symptoms. The West Nile virus antibody test is free. You can send in samples until November 30th.
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