The Algoma Veterinary Clinic has confirmed a horse has died of West Nile in East Algoma.
Clinic owner, veterinarian Dr. Keith Good says West Nile Virus is a neurological condition that can affect the spinal column or the brain and is usually spread by the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.
He says the animal died in late August, but due to privacy regulations is not specifying where in the district the death occurred.
He says the horse had developed weakness in its hind end and legs, so it was unable to stand, and there were other neurological symptoms.
Good says there is a vaccine available to horse owners, which requires two doses at least three weeks apart, and then another week to develop full protection.
He recommends the vaccinations be administered in late winter before mosquitoes return to the area.
