Second West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in South holland Horse
South Holland,Netherlands – A second horse in the Netherlands has tested positive for West Nile virus,confirmed by both Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) and the European reference Laboratory. This follows the frist confirmed case earlier this month, marking only the second time the virus has been detected in horses within the country.
The newly infected horse, like the first, was identified through the Netherlands’ ongoing monitoring programme for West Nile virus. Veterinarians submit samples from suspected cases to Royal GD for initial examination, serving as an early warning system for both animal and human health. While the season for transmission is nearing its end,the confirmation of a second case raises awareness of the virus’s presence in the Netherlands.
West Nile virus is typically spread by mosquitoes and can cause illness in horses and humans.While not endemic to the Netherlands as it is indeed in countries like Italy, where the virus circulates in both migratory and native bird populations, the Dutch monitoring program aims to track any potential spread through migratory birds.
“More samples have been examined, but no othre contamination with the virus has been found so far,” stated Heather Graham, a veterinarian and West Nile virus expert at WBVR. “Sence the season is almost coming to an end, that is no longer expected.”
Authorities are currently unable to predict whether the risk of outbreaks will increase next year, but anticipate any potential cases would likely occur in September or October. Horse owners and veterinarians are encouraged to remain vigilant for symptoms.
