West Nile Virus

First diagnosed in Minnesota in 2002, and transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, West Nile virus is a disease that affects horses, birds, and some humans. Look here for the latest information on the disease, prevention, diagnosis, equine vaccination protocols, and research.

West Nile Virus Facts

West Nile Virus in Dogs and Cats

West Nile Virus in Raptors

Information for Veterinarians and Horse Owners

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Western Equine Encephalitis

For Veterinarians WNV Testing in Horses

Press Releases and Articles:

USDA Issues License for West Nile Virus DNA Vaccine for Horses (Link)

West Nile Virus: Impact on Horses and Humans (PDF)

Fargo-area Horse Tests Positive For West Nile Virus (PDF)

Minnesota Horse Tests Positive Near Brainerd (Word doc)

Vaccinate Horses Against West Nile Virus (Word doc)

West Nile Virus reported in first State human case of the season (PDF)

• Minnesota Department of Health www.health.state.mn.us
  To report ill or dead birds, call (612) 676-5414 or Toll free 1-877-676-5414
• Minnesota Board of Animal Health: www.bah.state.mn.us/
  To report ill or dead horses, call (651) 296-2942
• Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (651)-645-9149; www.mmcd.org
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (651)-296-3043; www.dnr.state.mn.us
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm
• United States Department of Agriculture www.aphis.usda.gov             

For media questions or to learn more about the College of Veterinary Medicine's West Nile virus clinical, research, and surveillance activities, contact Jan Williams at 612-624-6228 or at willi320@umn.edu.