West Nile virus on horses: what riders in Belgium should know

West Nile virus has been confirmed in a horse in Belgium, with the first 2026 case reported in early August. The virus spreads only through Culex mosquito bites. It does not spread from horse to horse or from horse to human. Mosquito season typically continues into October.

Symptoms to watch for
Most infected horses show no symptoms. In severe cases, the virus can cause fever, muscle tremors, ataxia, and neurological deficits. Contact your vet if you notice any of these signs.

Reducing exposure
Protection starts with limiting mosquito contact. Outdoor turnout rugs and fly sheets provide a physical barrier against bites. Combining rugs with mosquito repellent and reduced turnout at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, further lowers exposure.

Vaccination is available and may reduce the risk of severe disease. Speak to your vet directly for advice on vaccination timing and suitability for your horse.

Protect your horse from possible infected mosquitoes. Shop turnout rugs and fly sheets on our website. Throughout September, Greenfield offers a discount on the full fly sheet range, automatically applied at checkout.