media
release
Colorado
Department of Agriculture
www.colorado.gov/ag
Seven
Colorado Horses Infected with West Nile Virus
CDA
provides tips for protecting horses.
LAKEWOOD,
Colo. – Seven equine cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have been diagnosed in
Colorado as of August 28, 2009. The cases that have been recently
diagnosed represent the first reported cases of West Nile Virus this year. The
WNV positive tests were submitted from horses examined in the north central,
northeast, and southeast regions of the state.
West
Nile virus is a disease that threatens the health of humans, horses, and other
animals. The greatest implication of this disease is the capability of the virus
to cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses which may
result in death.
“Late
summer and early fall have traditionally been the time of year when we are most
likely to see WNV cases reported in horse,” said Colorado State Veterinarian,
Dr. Keith Roehr. “In 2008, there was only one reported equine case of
WNV in Colorado; it is difficult to project how many WNV cases we may see in the
coming months.”
The
transmission of the disease varies from year to year and depends on a number of
factors, including mosquito numbers. The West Nile virus can be carried by
infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite those birds. The
mosquitoes can then pass the virus to humans and animals.
In
2006, more than 1,000 cases of WNV were reported in horses nationwide.
West Nile Virus can cause an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Mosquitoes transmit the disease and infected horses may display symptoms
including head tilt, muscle tremors, stumbling, lack of coordination, weakness
of the limbs or partial paralysis.
If
horses exhibit clinical signs consistent with WNV, it is very important for
horse owners to contact their veterinarian in order to confirm the diagnosis
through laboratory testing. Horse owners should consult their private
practicing veterinarian to determine an appropriate prevention strategy for
their horses.
Horses
that have been vaccinated in past years will need an annual booster shot.
However, if an owner did not vaccinate their animal in previous years, the horse
will need the two-shot vaccination series within a three to six week period.
In
addition to vaccinations, horse owners also need to reduce the mosquito
populations and their possible breeding areas. Recommendations include removing
stagnant water sources, keeping animals inside during the bugs’ feeding times,
which are typically early in the morning and evening, and using mosquito
repellents.
For
complete and updated information concerning new WNV equine case information
including numbers and location of test positive horses visit:
“Even
though the number of infected horses has dramatically reduced since 2006, it is
still important to protect your horse through vaccination and good management
practices,” said Roehr.
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