Elko County horses test positive for West Nile Virus
A herd of wild horses graze near Highway 50 in Mound House, Nev., on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval is pursuing legal options to force the federal government to fund management of the state's wild horse population. (Cathleen Allison/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
ELKO (AP) — Officials say six horses in Northern Nevada have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The Elko Daily Free Press reports that the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Lab says the Elko County horses tested positive for the virus within the past two weeks.
State Veterinarian JJ Goicechea said horse owners should vaccinate their animals against the disease.
Goicechea said the virus is not usually seen in this part of the state but can be easily prevented through the vaccination.
The West Nile Virus in fatal in about 35 percent of cases, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Those that survive can be left with gait and behavioral abnormalities.
