| A Little Info Concerning the West Nile Virus A few weeks ago, both of my horses saw the vet and got the West Nile vaccine. This spring in the Northwest a lot of people are making sure that their horses get the vaccination. It is something to be concerned about because there have been reports of horses becoming infected by the West Nile Virus. Here are a few things that I found while researching. The WNV is a viral disease that was mostly seen in Africa, Asia and Southern Europe. It has made its way to the United States and has been causing illness for about 4 years. So far it seems to affect birds, mosquitoes, humans and horses. It seems that horses are prone to severe infection. So how does your horse get this? Well, it is mosquitoes that spread the virus. They feed on birds that are infected and then bite the horse, transmitting the virus into the bloodstream where it infects the brain and spinal cord. The incubation period is about 15 days, and then signs of being infected begin to appear. Some of the signs are loss of appetite, depression, fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, incoordination, head pressing and/or lowering, aimless wondering, convulsions, coma, circling, and inability to swallow. There is no evidence that a horse can infect another horse in the stall next to him, or that horses can transmit it to people. Although there is a vaccine, it isn’t really known yet whether it works. If a horse does get the virus, it isn’t totally hopeless. There are horses that have had it have recovered, and, keeping things in perspective, it’s not like there are horses dropping dead everywhere. There isn’t any specific treatment for the virus as of yet; only recommendations that the horse get veterinary care. There are some things that can be done to reduce the amount of mosquitoes. Though it might not totally prevent your horse from being bitten, it might be able to help. 1. If possible putting horses away during the times when mosquitoes are out the thickest (dusk and dawn). 2. Not turning lights on inside or around the barn. Mosquitoes are attracted to the light. 3. Putting lights someplace else close to the barn to attract them away. 4. Removing birds, chickens too, that are close to the barn. 5. Keeping an eye out for dead birds so they can be disposed of quickly—make sure to use gloves or a shovel. 7. Get rid of any still water (like in tires or small kiddy pools or drainage areas) that might be around because it makes an ideal breeding area for mosquitoes. 8. There are mosquito repellents for horses that are for sale. 9. If possible, having fans on in the stable might also help. I feel like after researching it that it is something to be aware of, but not to panic about. Taking the precautions and doing what you can for your horse is important and can greatly reduce the chances of getting the WNV. Happy Horsemanship! Carolyn Miller |
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