Case spur effort to vaccinate horses agains West Nile

Tuesday, July 22, 2003

West Nile Virus is here and it is here to stay. So far this year, Missouri has only experienced three confirmed cases of West Nile: a bird in St. Charles County, a horse in McDonald County and a crow in Kansas City, according to a Missouri Department of Agriculture press release. In addition to the human health concern, West Nile Virus also has a 30-40 percent mortality in horses. However, there is a vaccine to combat the disease. However, with time the vaccine becomes ineffective. Boosters are required and must be administered before the earlier dose becomes ineffective. Horses being vaccinated for the first time will need a shot, then 3-6 weeks later, a booster is required. The horse is not considered protected against West Nile Virus until 3-6 weeks after they get the last shot. Last year in Vernon County, eight horses tested positive for West Nile Virus and the Missouri Department of Agriculture reported that the state of Missouri had 917 cases last year. In horses, the virus can cause equine encephalitis, which is a swelling of the brain and spinal cord. Signs of an infection include stumbling or tripping; muscle weakness or twitching; partial paralysis, loss of appetite; depression or lethargy; head pressing or tilt; impaired vision; wandering or circling; inability to swallow; inability to stand up; fever; convulsions; coma and death. State veterinarian Dr. Taylor Woods said in a press release: "Detecting the virus in horses can be difficult. Some horses can be bitten by an infected mosquito and never contract the disease, while others test positive for the disease but show no symptoms. In horses, there is no age, sex or breed more likely to be infected." Besides vaccination, horse owners can take many precautions to lower the risk of West Nile Virus by reducing the mosquito population. The best way to do this is to eliminate the standing water where mosquitoes breed. This includes getting rid of tires, a birdbath or old buckets that will collect water. It would also be a good idea to change the water in stock tanks every few weeks. If horses are stabled, then it is a good idea to put a fan in the stall to move the air a little because mosquitos don't like wind, turn off the lights at night and use bug wipe. For more information on the West Nile Virus log onto www.equinewestnile.com.

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