Protect Horses And Humans Against West Nile
Horses are interesting in that unlike dogs or other livestock they share some of the same health risks as we do, a couple being asthma and West Nile . I’m Susan Allen with the Open Range Report. Stay tuned. In 2009 there were 72 horses in Washington alone that contracted the West Nile virus and while the reported cases last year were miniscule throughout the Northwest it doesn’t mean we are out of the woods. Our wet spring has created conditions ripe for mosquito’s to thrive and horses and humans are at risk. It would be great if we could be vaccinated against West Nile like our horses, we can’t and apparently many horse owners in Central Washington can’t or won’t pay to protect their equines, the reason researchers believe caused such a large outbreak in Benton and Kittitas Counties in 2009. Once the virus enters the nervous system it causes damage to the brain and spinal cord within 3-14 days. Signs of the disease can be mild, a lethargic horse, and progress to changes in behavior, muscle twitching, hind-end weakness, or loss of coordination. Like Equine Herpes it can create paralysis. West Nile virus kills about one-third of infected horses. The good news is that it is completely preventable. There are currently three approved virus vaccines available. When used appropriately, each of these is effective in preventing the disease but they can only be administered by your veterinarian, so even if you perform routine vaccinations yourself, you’ll need a vet for West Nile shots Take care and take precautions against mosquitos for you and yourhorses.
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