from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — The Ohio Department of Agriculture has reported the first positive case of West Nile Virus in an Ohio horse in 2016 has been confirmed.

In an animal health alert sent on Friday (Sept. 16), the Department of Agriculture announced that testing samples taken from a 7-year-old Standardbred in Tuscarawas County confirmed a positive diagnosis on Sept. 12.

Ohio State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey made the suggestion to owners that they should have their horses vaccinated against the virus.

“This incident in Tuscarawas County should serve as an alert to all horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus,” said Forshey. “Vaccines are a proven and effective prevention tool and I encourage owners to talk to their local vet for options and advice on how to keep their animals healthy.”

The alert also made other recommendations on how to reduce the mosquito population to help prevent the spread of the virus.

To read the complete alert from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, click here.