08/14/2026
‼️ West Nile Virus Alert ‼️
West Nile Virus has recently been discovered in mosquitoes in Howell, NJ. In response to this, Monmouth County Office of Mosquito Control will be spraying insecticide in residential and municipal streets in Howell on Friday, August 14th between 4-6 AM to reduce the risk of infection.
WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes and other biting insects that get it from infected birds and pass it to horses and humans. Horses are considered “dead-end hosts”, meaning that when a horse contracts WNV, they are not contagious to other horses or humans.
Once infected, the virus causes serious and progressive neurologic signs, such as weakness and ataxia (incoordination or stumbling), muscle tremors, and in severe cases recumbency or even death. Some horses may also show a drooping head and lips, teeth grinding and an abnormal sensitivity to touch, sights and sounds. Less specific clinical signs may manifest in the early stages, such as lethargy, inappetence and a fever. If you notice any of these signs in your horses, contact your veterinarian immediately!
The good news is that WNV is preventable! The most effective way to prevent infection is through annual vaccination. The EWTWN vaccine is considered a core vaccine and should be given to horses yearly. It also protects your horse from other viral infections transmitted by mosquitoes. Other ways to reduce the risk include reducing standing water (serves as mosquito breeding grounds!), and using fly sheets and masks and equine-safe repellents during peak mosquito hours.
Unsure if your horse is up to date on vaccines? Give us a call at 732-780-7563
