Carried by birds, predominately crows and jays, West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitos. Rainfall and land cover affect the incidence of disease, according to Mississippi State University researchers. Local land areas with a greater variety of vegetation and landscape seem to reduce the incidence according to the study. Vaccination is still critical to prevent disease. Monitoring local environmental influences will help forecast equine WNV risks and prepare for potential outbreaks.
Source: EQUUS, March 2016, page 13. (link to white paper here)
“Effects on weather and landscape on the equine West Nile virus infection risk in Mississippi, USA,” Geospatial Health, November 2015.