West Nile virus: Three infected horses cause alarm in Brandenburg

West Nile virus: Three infected horses cause alarm in Brandenburg

West Nile virus discovered in horses: effects on the Brandenburg region

In a worrying report, West Nile virus was recently detected in three horses in Brandenburg. This discovery near Berlin could have serious consequences for the health of animals and possibly people in the region.

Symptoms in affected horses

The three horses, which come from a stable in the so-called “Berlin bacon belt”, show noticeable symptoms that indicate an infection with the virus. According to a spokesman for the Potsdam-Mittelmark district, these animals experience nervous disorders. They twitch, limp, and appear to lose control of their limbs. However, such symptoms are not seen in the majority of animals infected with West Nile virus, which often remain asymptomatic.

Disease transmittable to humans

According to legal requirements, the West Nile virus is a notifiable animal disease. It can also be transmitted to humans, making the situation even more alarming. Primary transmission occurs through mosquitoes, while the virus can cause serious epidemics in birds, which often remain asymptomatic.

Regional developments and challenges

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) reports that the virus may overwinter in native mosquitoes and there are signs that it has become established in the federal states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony. These regional developments are particularly important because the virus has also caused isolated illnesses in people since 2019. Only a few of those infected actually show symptoms. This makes surveillance and containment of the disease a crucial challenge for health authorities.

Vaccination: A missing remedy

Another critical point is the lack of a vaccine for humans and birds, in contrast to the available vaccines for horses. This reinforces the need for effective prevention strategies to prevent the virus from spreading and protect the population.

Conclusion: vigilance is required

The detection of West Nile virus in Brandenburg underlines the importance of precautionary measures in the region. Pet owners and citizens are urged to be vigilant and monitor possible symptoms in both animals and themselves. Targeted precautionary measures are crucial to prevent the further spread of the virus and guarantee the health of the community.