Local equestrians are being warned to watch for symptoms of the West Nile Virus-Kunjlin (WNV/KNV) in their animals after a horse in the Adelaide Hills showed clinical signs of the disease.

The viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes and on rare occasions can cause serious neurological disease in both humans and horses.

The majority of WNV/KUN virus infections however cause no clinical signs or a very mild disease in horses and the World Health Organisation says 80% of people infected will show no symptoms at all.

Initial testing did not determine if the antibody was from a recent infection.

The Department of Primary Industries has issued an alert to horse owners and says our wetter than usual summer has created ideal conditions for mosquitoes.

They are asking horse owners to consider what actions they can take to manage mosquitoes on their property, including the removal or treatment of any potential mosquito breeding areas, such as pot plants or water tanks.

Rugging horses in the evening and mornings and using insecticides can also help to reduce mosquito bites.

If a horse is showing any unusual symptoms, a veterinarian should be contacted for advice and can organise testing should they suspect WNV.

More details about horse health is available at http://pir.sa.gov.au/horse-health