Revised:  08/25/2010

New Jersey Department of Agriculture

Memo

To: Veterinarians

From: Nancy E. Halpern, DVM, State Veterinarian

Date: August 24, 2010

Re: First Equine Case of West Nile Virus in New Jersey - 2010

On August 24, 2010 the first case of West Nile virus (WNV) was confirmed in a New Jersey equine – the first diagnosis of the disease in a New Jersey horse this year. The 2 year-old, unvaccinated mare from Atlantic County began showing signs of illness on August 17, 2010 and was humanely euthanized later that same day.

Veterinarians are reminded that suspect or confirmed cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in livestock species are reportable to the State Veterinarian at 609-292-3965 immediately or within 48 hours, and a neurologic disease worksheet must be completed for each case reported. The worksheet is available via the internet at:

http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/neurologic_disease_worksheet_2005.pdf

Completed worksheets can be faxed to the Division at 609-777-8395. The NJDA-Division of Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory performs WNV and EEE testing. For further information, please contact 609-984-2293.

Laboratory specimen(s), along with a laboratory submission form and a copy of the Neurologic Worksheet, should be sent to:

(If sent via courier service): 

New Jersey Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health Laboratory

John Fitch Plaza, Health and Agriculture Building Room 201

Trenton, NJ 08625

(If sent via U.S. Postal Service):

NJ Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health Laboratory

P.O. Box 330 Trenton, NJ 08625.