The virus then multiplies and may cause illness. There is no documented evidence that WN virus is transmitted between horses. However, horses with suspected WN virus should be isolated from mosquito bites, if at all possible. It is not known how long a horse infected with WN virus will be infectious, but previously published data suggest that the virus is detectable in the blood for only a few days. Finally, there is no reason to destroy a horse just because it has been infected with WN virus.
Data suggest that most horses recover from the infection.
Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent. Through September 2000, CDC has also received reports of WN virus infection in bats, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and domestic rabbits.