West Nile virus detected in horse in Paralimni

Cypriot veterinary authorities have confirmed the first case of West Nile virus for 2026 in a horse located on a farm in Paralimni, in the Famagusta district. The case, involving one of 16 horses on the property, was officially reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on September 18, with the onset of the incident recorded on September 9. Laboratory tests, specifically ELISA IgG and IgM, confirmed the diagnosis on September 11 and 15.

Following the confirmation, the Veterinary Services initiated established control protocols, including vector and mosquito control measures to limit further spread. Authorities, including Herodotus Herodotou of the Health Services, emphasized that ongoing surveillance involves sampling horses and wild birds. Experts note that horses and humans are considered "dead-end hosts" and cannot transmit the virus to mosquitoes or other individuals. The virus is primarily spread through the bites of infected Culex mosquitoes, which typically contract the pathogen from wild birds.

Veterinary services continue to monitor the area and have advised horse owners to implement necessary precautionary measures to protect their animals from mosquito bites. No further cases have been reported from the farm, and authorities remain on alert.