West Nile Virus is a Threat to Unvaccinated Horses
Equestrian News Release
Experts anticipate early arrival of West Nile -- horse owners are encouraged to vaccinate prior to mosquito season
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- As spring approaches and temperatures rise, growing mosquito populations will increase the risk for deadly mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus and equine encephalomyelitis (Sleeping Sickness).
Since its discovery in the United States in 1999, West Nile virus has spread rapidly across the country and poses a significant health threat to humans, horses and other animals.
"The North American West Nile virus epidemic persists," says Lyle Petersen, MD, MPH, Director of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases for the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, addressing the seventh National Conference on West Nile Virus in the United States.
Unseasonably warm weather and mild winter conditions, which have been experienced in many parts of the country this year, may lead to an increased threat of West Nile virus. Torrential rains in other parts of the United States further complicate the risk.
West Nile was found in mosquitoes in January in Baton Rouge, La. In California, four counties have already reported birds testing positive for the disease, a finding that is "early in the season," according to Gary Erbeck, Director of the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health.
Randy Phillips, who is helping to coordinate the West Nile virus response at the Clark County Health Department in Vancouver, Wash., says there's an increased chance of West Nile in northern Oregon and Southwest Washington. "Mosquitoes may be more prevalent due to the high rains and mild temperatures we've had this year," says Phillips.
Guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) state proper vaccination of previously non-vaccinated horses involves administration of two doses of vaccine three to six weeks apart. Once the first series of vaccinations are complete, horses should be vaccinated semi- annually or more frequently, depending on the geographical risk. Annual revaccination is best completed in the spring, prior to the onset of mosquito season. Horse owners should contact their veterinarian as soon as possible to evaluate threat levels in the area and determine their horse's current vaccination status, to ensure they will have maximum protection against the disease.
For more than four years, veterinarians and horse owners across the country have relied on West Nile-Innovator(R) from Fort Dodge Animal Health to protect horses from West Nile virus. "More than 20 million doses of West Nile-Innovator have been administered nationwide," says Bryan Toliver, Equine Product Manager for Fort Dodge. "Nine out of 10 horses vaccinated against West Nile receive West Nile-Innovator."
Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE), is a leading manufacturer and distributor of products for the equine, livestock, companion animal, swine and poultry industries in North America and international markets. As a committed partner to veterinary practitioners, horse and pet owners, and livestock producers worldwide, Fort Dodge is making a difference in the future of animal health through innovative research and product development that address current and emerging animal health needs. Key products include West Nile-Innovator(R) and Innovator(R) combination vaccines, Fluvac Innovator(R) vaccines, QUEST(R) Gel and QUEST(R) Plus.
SIDEBAR
Limiting exposure to mosquitoes is fundamental in helping prevent the spread of West Nile virus and Sleeping Sickness. According to the USDA, the following precautions may help reduce the risk of West Nile around homes and stables:
* Keep horses stabled during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most
active.
* Turn off lights that attract mosquitoes.
* Use fluorescent lights, which do not attract mosquitoes.
* Keep screens in stable windows.
* Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
* Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
* Empty water collecting in buckets, tarps, pool covers and tires.
* Clean water troughs and birdbaths at least once a week.
* Use mosquito repellent.
Early season mosquito control, in particular, can interfere with the life cycle of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. And by controlling mosquitoes early in the season, spring and summer populations will be reduced.
Reader Comments
Be the first to submit a comment on this article!
Submit your comments
Link to this article
---------------------- It's easy! Just copy code below and paste into your webpage --------------------
<a href="http://www.equestrianmag.com/article/west-nile-horses-4-06.html">West Nile Virus is a Threat to Unvaccinated Horses</a> ~ EquestrianMag.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your link will appear like this:
West Nile Virus is a Threat to Unvaccinated Horses ~ EquestrianMag.com
|
