Mal Oeste -

Vision loss, circling, head pressing, and eventually paralysis or recumbency. Mortality rates in horses can range from 20% to 50% . Diagnosis and Management

Outbreaks are often linked to wet seasons or heavy irrigation, which increase mosquito populations. Clinical Manifestations mal oeste

Hypersensitivity to sound/touch, wandering, and ataxia (lack of muscle coordination). mal oeste

It primarily circulates between wild birds and mosquitoes ( Culex tarsalis being a major vector). Horses and humans act as "dead-end" hosts, meaning they can contract the disease but typically do not develop high enough viral levels to pass it back to mosquitoes. mal oeste

Diagnosis is confirmed through (looking for IgM antibodies) or PCR to detect viral RNA in tissues or cerebrospinal fluid. Managing infectious equine neurologic disease (Proceedings)