West Nile Detected in Cumberland County Horses

The Tennessee State Veterinarian reports six cases of horses being sickened by the West Nile Virus with at least one in Cumberland County.

Dr. Charles Hatcher said West Nile cases in horses typically indicate the likelihood of the virus being transmitted to people as well.

“That’s important because we try to monitor those so we can let horse owners know that we are seeing more of that in horses,” Hatcher said. “Also, we let our cohorts in the Health Department know as well, because there’s a correlation sometimes between the number of horses with West Nile Virus and the number of people. It gives an indication of the number of the mosquito population as well.”

Hatcher said some of the symptoms of a horse with the West Nile Virus are similar to what a human would experience.

“It effects the brain and the central nervous system,” Hatcher said. “You can have flu-like systems, fever, weakness, loss of appetite, sometimes the horse will get down or convulse. Anything that looks like it’s effecting the brain, that’s the kind of signs that they’ll be showing.”

Hatcher said the West Nile Virus can become fatal in some instances depending on their immune system or age but added they can recover. He advises horse owners to ask their local veterinarians about vaccinating their horses to protect against the virus.

They can tell you exactly when to use that and exactly when you should get it,” Hatcher said. “Also, you shouldn’t share any needles, dental equipment, or anything like that between your horses, and eliminate standing water sources so that eliminates [mosquito] breeding grounds.”

At least three other counties have received reports of horses with the West Nile Virus, including Washington, Bradley, and Sullivan Counties. Hatcher said the most recent report came in Thursday morning but was unsure which county the case was reported in.