ROUNDUP — Montana has recorded its first case of West Nile virus this year.
The state veterinarian’s office confirmed the virus in a horse in the Roundup area. Local veterinarian Maryrose Beasley says the horse had been weak and stumbling around.
Beasley tells the Billings Gazette she had previously treated horses with West Nile virus and recognized the symptoms.
Beasley says horse owners should get their animals vaccinated against the virus.
West Nile virus typically emerges in Montana in August and September. The virus is carried by mosquitoes and can be transmitted to people.
The virus can cause a mild fever, headaches and body aches in humans.