Ronan veterinarian Leroy Hoversland had to euthanize three horses in the Ronan are last week.  One from St. Ignatius one from Charlo and one from the Round Butte area.  He was amazed at how fast the horses developed severe symptoms.

The disease is carried by birds and can be transmitted by mosquitoes to humans, horses or other animals.  "The disease cannot be transmitted from horse to person or person to person", he said.

Symptoms are loss of co-ordination and then within two days violent convulsions and thrashing around in their stalls or on the ground.  The first case of West Nile in Montana occurred in 2002.  since then Montana has seen it spread to every part of the State.  The disease is here and we should be aware of it.  There are vaccinations available.  Providing protection within 7 to 10 days after the vaccination. 

Dean Hermes reporting for KPAX