A horse in Menorca has become the first confirmed carrier of West Nile virus in the Balearic Islands.

The animal, which was suffering from neurological symptoms, received its diagnosis at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Algete, Madrid.

The Spanish authorities are keeping a close eye on this case as part of their comprehensive West Nile surveillance programme. This initiative keeps tabs on horses, wild birds, and mosquitoes to nip any spread of the virus in the bud.

West Nile virus is predominantly transmitted through mosquito bites, with the insects becoming infected after feasting on contaminated birds, subsequently spreading the virus to humans or other animals.

Horses and birds play a crucial role as "sentinel" species, often indicating the presence of the virus before it affec

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