Five horses were detected with West Nile Virus in the coastal area of Paralimni in Cyprus, the Veterinary Services announced on Wednesday. Testing was conducted on September 9 and September 18 and initially, one animal tested positive, followed by four others.

The affected horses all come from the same premises. Veterinary Services said that no deaths occurred.

The symptoms observed included fever, weakness, and an unsteady gait (ataxia). The symptoms subsided after a few days and according to the Vet Services there are currently no concerns regarding the animals’ health.

The virus, the Vet Services said, is not transmitted from horses to humans or from a horse to another horse. Transmission occurs primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Equids, like humans, are considered incidental hosts and do not serve as a source for further transmission.

Following the confirmation of the cases, the Veterinary Services immediately initiated the prescribed epidemiological investigation and monitoring procedures.

The Health Ministry was informed, and the cases were reported to the European Commission and the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The response to West Nile Virus is being coordinated by the competent authorities in accordance with established protocols.

In this context, the Veterinary Services are monitoring the situation regarding animals, while Health Services are carrying out the necessary measures for mosquito surveillance and control.

The Veterinary Services said that they are closely monitoring the situation and, in cooperation with the competent authorities, will continue to evaluate epidemiological figures, taking further action where necessary to protect both animal and public health.