After the 1999 outbreak of West Nile (WN) encephalitis in New York horses, a case definition was developed that specified the clinical signs, coupled with laboratory test results, required to classify cases of WN encephalitis in equines as either probable or confirmed. In 2000, 60 horses from seven states met the criteria for a confirmed case. The cumulative experience from clinical observations and diagnostic testing during the 1999 and 2000 outbreaks of WN encephalitis in horses will contribute to further refinement of diagnostic criteria.

After the 1999 outbreak of West Nile (WN) encephalitis in New York horses, a case definition was developed that specified the clinical signs, coupled with laboratory test results, required to classify cases of WN encephalitis in equines as either probable or confirmed. In 2000, 60 horses from seven states met the criteria for a confirmed case. The cumulative experience from clinical observations and diagnostic testing during the 1999 and 2000 outbreaks of WN encephalitis in horses will contribute to further refinement of diagnostic criteria.

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The ongoing cooperative effort between the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture to eradicate the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), is reviewed. Epidemiological and biological aspects of the tick that influence efficient control and/or eradication in Puerto Rico are discussed. The differences between the current eradication methodology and that initially utilized by the program are emphasized. The status and possible future adaptations of the program, as well as its applicability to other areas in the Caribbean, are also addressed.