“There have been notifications to DGAV of suspected WNF in equines, with confirmation of the virus circulating in the national territory,” it announced in a statement.

Eight outbreaks were detected this year in Alentejo and four in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo.

DGAV advised vaccinating horses in infected areas and protecting them from insect bites, as well as eliminating standing water, which are considered “mosquito breeding grounds.”

West Nile Fever is transmitted by a mosquito and, in equines, mild signs may appear, but some may develop neurological symptoms that can be fatal.

Infected equines and humans do not promote disease transmission.

In Europe, WNF first appeared in 2000 in Camargue, France.

DGAV had already alerted in late September to the increasing number of cases in Europe.

From January to September 15, there were 272 confirmed infections by WNF in animals in Europe, mainly in Italy (216).

Germany, Austria, Croatia, Spain, Estonia, Greece, and Hungary have also reported outbreaks.

By species, equine cases were detected in Germany, Croatia, Spain, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Austria.

Bird cases were identified in Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Estonia.