A case of West Nile virus has been detected in a horse at a farm in Paralimni, according to a report submitted by Cyprus’s Veterinary Services.
The case was reported on 18 September 2026 through the World Organisation for Animal Health, with Philenews reporting that the infected horse was located at a farm in Paralimni.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly common mosquitoes belonging to the Culex genus.
Horses more vulnerable to West Nile virus
Commenting on the case to Kathimerini, Dimitris Epaminondas said horses are more vulnerable to West Nile virus than other animals.
He said a number of animal diseases have been observed recently, citing foot-and-mouth disease, mites affecting bees and now West Nile virus.
According to Epaminondas, the emergence of such diseases can be linked to several factors, including climate change, which can have knock-on effects on animal health and the spread of diseases.
“These phenomena will become something we have to take for granted, and diseases that were considered exotic or appeared more rarely have started reaching Europe,” he said.
The case of the horse with West Nile virus in Paralimni adds to concerns over animal diseases that may become more common as environmental conditions change.
Also read: West Nile virus cases rise as mosquitoes surge
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