ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has confirmed the state’s first equine West Nile virus cases of the year,with at least seven horses testing positive across six counties.
State Veterinarian Dr. Brian Hoefs said the virus typically emerges in late summer as bird migration shifts.
“These mosquitoes tend to feed on birds,” Hoefs said. “But as those birds head south, mosquitoes seek other blood sources — which is why we see cases in warm-blooded animals and people, too.”
Cases have been reported in Kittson, Fillmore, Lincoln, Wadena, Mille Lacs, and Wabasha counties. Hoefs noted nearly all infected horses were unvaccinated and urged owners to take preventive measures.
West Nile virus can cause severe neurological symptoms in horses and people.
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