Ag Department: Horses should be vaccinated against West Nile Virus

State officials on Thursday issued a news release recommending horse owners vaccinate their animals to protect them from West Nile Virus and Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis. 

“The New Mexico Department of Agriculture – in cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Livestock Board – make the recommendation after NMHealth confirmed a West Nile Virus infection in a resident of Union County,” the release stated.

“Horses, as well as humans, become infected after being bitten by many different mosquito species infected with WNV that have fed on infected birds. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, horses represent 96.9% of all reported non-human cases of WNV in mammals.”

In 2023, 19 horses were confirmed to have West Nile virus; six of those horses died, the release stated.

“Don’t wait until it’s too late,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, NMHealth Public Health Veterinarian. “Vaccinations can make a difference and protect your horses from West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.”