Delaware
2 horses in Delaware euthanized after contracting West Nile virus from mosquito bites
Video: Follow horse trainer Lynn Ashby through a race at Delaware Park
Follow along as trainer Lynn Ashby saddles In the Dance for the seventh race at Delaware Park and watches him run on June 26.
Two horses have been euthanized after the first cases of West Nile virus in horses this year were confirmed in Delaware.
The Office of the State Veterinarian in the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced the Kent County cases on Sept. 9.
A 4-year-old Standardbred gelding and a 7-year-old Standardbred mare were euthanized, said Michael Lewis, chief of community relations for the department.
The onset of symptoms in these cases occurred between Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquito bites, generally in summer and fall, with a peak period for disease transmission from mid-August to mid-October.
Signs of infection in horses include fever, although not always present, along with anorexia, head pressing, depression or behavior changes, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, convulsions, hind-limb weakness and muscle spasms in the head and neck.
If owners notice any of these signs in their horses, the Department of Agriculture recommends contacting a veterinarian immediately.
Animal health professionals with formal training in diagnosing or recognizing animal diseases and pests of horses and livestock are required to report suspected or confirmed cases of West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis to the Office of the State Veterinarian within 24 hours.
People can also be infected with West Nile virus, but transmission requires a mosquito bite. The virus cannot be directly transmitted between horses or between horses and people.
Advice to protect horses from mosquitoes
Horse owners can take steps in the barn and around the farm to help protect horses from mosquito bites including:
- Keep horses inside during dawn and dusk, peak hours for mosquito activity
- Apply topical insect repellents labeled for use on horses
- Use fans in horse stalls to deter mosquitoes
- Dispose of old tires and containers with standing water
- Empty, clean and refill water troughs or buckets at least every two to three days to remove mosquito eggs or larvae
- Contact a veterinarian to ensure they add the West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis vaccines to their annual vaccination schedule for 2026
Neither disease has a specific drug treatment. Eastern equine encephalitis in horses is fatal in 70 to 90% of cases. The West Nile virus in horses if fatal in 30% of cases.
Advice to residents for protection from mosquitoes
The Delaware Department of Agriculture reminds residents to continue taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including:
- Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas
- Apply insect repellent containing 10 to 30% diethyltoluamide (DEET) according to label instructions
- Avoid mosquito-infested areas and times of peak mosquito activity around dawn, dusk and night
The department recommends that residents eliminate standing water on their property that might have been there for four or more consecutive days because it can be a mosquito breeding habitat.
The mosquito season should end with the first hard freeze.
Who to contact if mosquito-borne illnesses are suspected
For questions about mosquito-borne illnesses in horses, along with calling a veterinarian, call the Delaware Department of Agriculture at 302-698-4500 and ask for the Poultry and Animal Health Section.
If people suspect they may have West Nile virus or eastern equine encephalitis, along with calling a doctor, call the Delaware Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 302-744-4990 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or after hours at 888-295-5196 or email reportdisease@delaware.gov.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 10:19PM
ASTON, Pa. (WPVI) — Summer camps are in full swing, and on Wednesday the Action Cam was in Aston, where kids are getting some hands-on learning at Delaware County Technical School.
Middle school students are exploring career pathways as they build, cook, design and create in state-of-the-art classrooms.
They are doing everything from carpentry to cosmetology.
By the end of camp, the kids will create STEAM-based projects that they can take home.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Across the State Trained AmeriCorps VISTA members will be on-site at 21 Delaware Libraries providing walk-in assistance for digital literacy
DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Libraries today announced the launch of a 10-week summer program aiming to support Delawareans on digital literacy.
The AmeriCorps Digital Literacy Specialists assist the public with computer and technology questions, including completing online applications, navigating websites, and building basic digital skills. As patrons become more comfortable, specialists can introduce them to the many free computer training programs and learning resources available through Delaware Libraries including in-person classes. This project is an initiative of the Division’s Social Innovation Team.
“Libraries are proud to expand their digital literacy specialist supports this summer with a presence in 21 Delaware Libraries,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian of Delaware. “The digital landscape is ever evolving, and the Delaware Libraries stands at the ready to help Delawareans navigate AI, software skills, social media concepts, and more.”
There is no appointment needed for a meeting or to ask a question to a Specialist.
The Specialists are trained to support many concepts, including:
- Essential Software Skills
- Personalized Assistance
- Workplace Technology
- AI – Understanding & Help
- Basic Computer Skills & Classes
- Social Media Help
- Navigate Internet, Avoid Scams
- Using Tech in Daily Life, Device Help
- Learning Express, Northstar Certification
- And Much More!
Visit DelawareLibraries.org/Digital to view a full schedule of Specialists. For more services visit DelawareLibraries.org/GetConnected!
Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card for birth to age 5, a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for ages 13-17 and Delaware Library cards for everyone.
Sign up for a Delaware Library Card today! It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Online!
Instructions in Spanish are also available. (En el sitio web de las bibliotecas de Delaware se pueden encontrar instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware)
Programming celebrating the Delaware Libraries’ 125th anniversary will continue throughout the year.
Delaware
Talk & Film Bring Delaware’s Revolutionary Story to Life at Archives’ First Saturday Program – State of Delaware News
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the Delaware Public Archives will host a special First Saturday Program featuring a presentation and a screening of a new documentary exploring Delaware’s pivotal role in America’s founding.
The event will begin with a shortened presentation of Independence or the Bayonet, examining the critical days leading up to July 1776 through the perspectives of Caesar Rodney, George Read, and Thomas McKean.
Following the presentation, attendees will watch Caesar Rodney’s Ride: The Story of Delawareans and the Declaration of Independence, a new one-hour documentary presented by the Delaware Heritage Commission. The film explores Caesar Rodney’s legendary overnight ride to Philadelphia and the important role Delawareans played in the fight for American independence.
This special program is part of the Delaware Public Archives’ ongoing Delaware 250 educational programming commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and highlighting Delaware’s unique contributions to the nation’s founding.
The program is free and open to the public.
For more information about the Delaware Public Archives or to learn more about upcoming events and programs, visit archives.delaware.gov.
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