Two horses in Colorado are the first reported cases of West Nile Virus this year. The horses are from Fremont and Weld Counties.

According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, infected horses may display symptoms including head tilt, muscle tremors, stumbling, lack of coordination, weakness of the limbs or partial paralysis. Horse owners are advised to contact a veterinarian if any of those symptoms are exhibited.

The virus is carried to an area by infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite those birds. The mosquitoes can then pass the virus to humans and animals.

Vaccines, reducing stagnant water sources and keeping animals inside during mosquito feeding times are suggestions from the Colorado Department of Agriculture to help keep animals safe.

“In the past few years there have been very few reported equine case of [West Nile Virus] in Colorado; it is difficult to project how many WNV cases we may see in the coming months,” said Colorado State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.

The two horses are currently being treated.