10 Tips for Reducing Your Horse's West Nile Risk
Since first being recognized in the United States in 1999, West Nile
virus (WNV) 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 WNV, then
feeds on a horse.
While many horses exposed to WNV experience no signs of illness, the virus
can cause
inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, especially in
older horses, WNV
can be fatal.
As a horse owner, prevention is the key to reducing your horse's risk
of contracting WNV.
Follow these guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners
(AAEP) to
protect your horse against WNV:
Consider vaccinating
your horse against the disease. In February 2003, a vaccine was
licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture's Center for Veterinary
Biologics for
use in healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of the disease. Talk
with your veterinarian
about 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.
For more information about caring for the older horse, email
us to request a copy of the
“West Nile Virus” brochure, provided by the American Association
of Equine Practitioners in
partnership with Educational Partner Bayer Animal Health. Additional information
is available
by visiting the AAEP’s horse health web site, www.myHorseMatters.com.
Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.