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Horse euthanized after contracting West Nile Virus

Posted at 9:40 AM, Oct 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-10 09:40:53-04

A horse in Chautauqua County had to be euthanized after contracting the West Nile Virus.

The privately owned horse in the Town of Portland developed neurological symptoms of the virus and had to be put down, according to the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services. 

The horse's death comes after two mosquito pools collected from the Audubon in Chautauqua County  tested positive for the virus.

The pools of mosquitos were collected back in September. 

The virus is transmitted to mammals through the bite of a mosquito. County health officials say the mosquito species that tested positive primarily bites birds.

The Director of Environmental Health Services says that neighbors should not be alarmed. 

Health officials remind everyone to wear socks and shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and apply mosquito repellent containing DEET to prevent mosquito bites.

 

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