RENO, Nev. (AP) — Washoe County health officials say a 6-year-old feral horse was put down after testing positive for West Nile virus.
The state animal disease lab says the horse in south Reno had not been vaccinated against the disease.
It's the first animal or human case of the mosquito-borne illness in Washoe County this year.
But two human cases have been reported around the state, one each in Clark and Churchill counties.
Health officials stress that the best prevention is to wear long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are most active and to use insect repellent. They also advise people to remove standing water where mosquitoes breed from around their homes..
Veterinarians say horse owners should make sure vaccinations are current to protect their animals.
There is no vaccination for humans.
