New Jersey Department of Agriculture

Memo

To: Veterinarians

From: Nancy E. Halpern, DVM, State Veterinarian

Date: November 9, 2007

Re:Second Equine Case of West Nile Virus in New Jersey in 2007

The illness of a 13 year-old gelding in Morris County has been attributed to infection with the West Nile virus (WNV) - the second diagnosis of WNV in a horse in New Jersey this year. The horse became sick on November 1, 2007 and is currently recovering from the illness.

Horses or other species with suspicious clinical signs or confirmed WNV infection must be reported to the State Veterinarian at 609-292-3965 within 48 hours. Laboratory specimens should be sent to the NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory for testing. Laboratory submission forms must accompany the specimens. Forms can be obtained by contacting the Division of Animal Health or may be downloaded from the following website:

http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/pdf/05eqneurowork.pdf

For more information about West Nile virus in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture web site at http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/westnile.html