West Nile virus showing up in Washington horses
Washington Ag Today August 4, 2009 The Washington State Department of Agriculture has now reported three cases of West Nile virus in Washington horses this summer. Department spokesman Mike Louisell says the cases were in three different eastern Washington counties. Louisell: “Kittitas County, Yakima County and Benton County. The thing that is common in all three cases is that the horses that acquired West Nile virus were not vaccinated for the virus. In the case of the Ellensburg horse announced on July 31st that horse as unfortunately been euthanized, as has a horse in Toppenish that was confirmed with the virus July 24th, just a week earlier. A horse in Benton County, Prosser area, has recovered, but none of the three horses had shots.” Louisell says West Nile virus is fatal in about one-third of all horses that show clinical signs although most horses do not become ill and show no symptoms at all. Louisell: “The advice we can give is that horse owners should consult with their private veterinarian for vaccination advice. Our state veterinarian‘s office recommends vaccinating your horse or getting the proper booster shots as the best way to protect the horse.” Last year cases of West Nile in Washington horses were reported from August 1st to just after Thanksgiving. I’m Bob Hoff and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Northwest Ag Information Network.
