The Equine Disease Communication Center issued two disease alerts for Maryland today.
The first is a confirmed case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in an 8-year-old Arabian gelding used for pleasure riding at a private facility in Carroll County. The diagnosis was confirmed on September 19. The horses is exhibiting neurological effects but as of today, is still alive. The fatality rate in horses with symptomatic WNV is between 30% and 40%.
This is the second WNV diagnosis in Carroll County this year. The first was in an unvaccinated 3-year-old Standardbred gelding.
The second disease alert is a confirmed case of strangles in a 5-year-old warmblood gelding used for pleasure riding at a boarding facility in Montgomery County.
This is the 20th confirmed case of strangles in Maryland this year.
Both horses are under quarantine.
