West Nile Virus

To reduce your horse’s risk of contracting West Nile virus:

  • Vaccinate your horse against the disease. In February 2003, a vaccine was licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics for use in healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of the disease. Call us today to discuss the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your horse.
  • Eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. Dispose of old receptacles, tires and containers, and eliminate areas of standing water.
  • Thoroughly clean livestock watering troughs at least monthly.
  • Use larvicides to control mosquito populations when it is not possible to eliminate particular breeding sites. Such action should only be taken, however, in consultation with your local mosquito control authority.
  • Keep your horse indoors during the peak mosquito activity periods of dusk to dawn.
  • Screen stalls if possible or at least install fans over your horse to help deter mosquitoes.
  • Avoid turning on lights inside the stable during the evening or overnight.
  • Using insect repellants on your horse that are designed to repel mosquitoes can help reduce the chance of being bitten.
  • Remove any birds, including chickens, located in or close to a stable.
  • Don’t forget to protect yourself, as well. When outdoors in the evening, wear clothing that covers your skin and apply plenty of mosquito repellent.

Since first being recognized in the United States in 1999, West Nile virus has posed a serious threat to horses and humans alike. In the equine population, the virus is transmitted when a mosquito takes a blood meal from a bird infected with West Nile virus, then feeds on a horse. While many horses exposed to West Nile virus experience no signs of illness, the virus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, especially in older horses, West Nile virus can be fatal.

For more information, visit the HORSE.

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