The Saxon Ministry of Social Affairs recommends that horse owners be vaccinated against infection with the West Nile virus. Although no cases were reported in the state in 2025, the ministry stated that the risk remains. Across Germany, there were four cases in horses and 16 cases in birds last year. With 204 registered cases in Germany in 2024, there was a significant increase in infections in horses. The most affected states were Lower Saxony (68 cases), Brandenburg (57), Saxony (17), Saxony-Anhalt (12) and Schleswig-Holstein (8).
Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes
The West Nile virus infection is transmitted by mosquitoes. There are usually no clinical signs in horses, but severe courses are also possible, it said. "Some horses react with severe neurological symptoms such as stumbling, hindlimb paralysis, muscle tremors, weakness and even immobilization. Some of the infections can be fatal." Experts advise bringing horses into the stable at dusk and removing mosquito breeding sites such as open watering holes. Also, no lights should be left on near horses at night.
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