Mal Oeste Guide

(also known as "Mal del Oeste" or Encefalitis Equina del Oeste ) is a critical zoonotic viral disease affecting primarily horses and humans, characterized by severe neurological impairment. Etiology and Transmission

The disease progresses through stages of neurological decline: Fever, depression, and lack of appetite.

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

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

Outbreaks are often linked to wet seasons or heavy irrigation, which increase mosquito populations. Clinical Manifestations (also known as "Mal del Oeste" or Encefalitis

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

The disease is caused by the Western Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus (WEEV) , a member of the Alphavirus genus in the Togaviridae family. Horses and humans act as "dead-end" hosts, meaning

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)