West Nile Virus in Horses
Author Information
Author(s): Eileen N. Ostlund, Randall L. Crom, Douglas D. Pedersen, Donna J. Johnson, W. Oliver Williams, Beverly J. Schmitt
Primary Institution: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture
Hypothesis
The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic criteria and methods for identifying West Nile virus encephalitis in horses.
Conclusion
The study found that advances in diagnostic methods and clinical observations have improved the identification of West Nile virus encephalitis in horses.
Supporting Evidence
- 60 horses from seven states were classified as having a confirmed case of West Nile encephalitis.
- 23 of the 60 cases were fatal, with horses either dying or being euthanized.
- Clinical signs included ataxia, weakness of limbs, and difficulty rising.
- WN virus was isolated from brain tissue of seven horses that became ill in August or September 2000.
- 59 of 60 horses had demonstrable WN virus-specific IgM antibodies in acute-phase serum samples.
- Neutralizing antibody titers >1:10 were detected in 55 of 59 serum samples collected at initial visit.
Takeaway
This study looked at sick horses to see if they had West Nile virus, and it found better ways to test for it.
Methodology
The study involved evaluating clinical signs and laboratory test results from horses suspected of having West Nile virus encephalitis.
Limitations
Some suspected cases could not be confirmed due to insufficient samples, and the case definition may have excluded some infections.
Participant Demographics
Horses ranged in age from 4 months to 38 years, with 36 males and 24 females from at least 11 breeds.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website