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A 25-year old miniature horse from Greenwich with an abnormal gait and an 18-year-old horse from Glastonbury found lethargic and not eating last month, both tested positive for the virus after diagnostics testing, said officials with the department.
The miniature horse was treated and is recovering, said officials.
The Glastonbury horse's condition continued to deteriorate and it was humanely euthanized by a veterinarian. Both horses had no recent history of a WNV vaccination or travel, officials said.
Since 2001, a WNV vaccine for horses has been available through licensed veterinarians.
“Horse owners should review their animals’ vaccination records with their veterinarians to ensure that WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis vaccinations are current and their horses are protected during the mosquito season,” said Dr. Mary Jane Lis, state veterinarian for the Department of Agriculture.
Lis said horses are the domestic animals most susceptible to infection from the virus and EEE.
The news comes on the heels of five new cases of West Nile in residents including Samford, Norwalk, and Danbury. The total number of cases in humans is 15 for the year, state Health Department Officials said.
The department warns residents to take precautions from getting the disease until the first frost in October.
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