Horses west nile virus

If the horse develops WNV it is too late for the shot. The vaccines require two doses, administered three to six weeks apart, and full protection doesn't develop until four to six weeks after the second dose.

Sometimes a third does is recommended. Boosters are recommended, but recommendations vary and depend upon mosquito infestation where you live. It can take from 7 to 12 weeks for the horse to develop maximum resistance to infection.

To eliminate mosquito breeding habitats: Eliminate any unnecessary standing water on your property tires, wheelbarrows, old buckets, etc. History West Nile Virus WNV is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis inflammation of the brain or meningitis inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord in humans and horses.

Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds and transmit it. Since , over 25, cases of WNV encephalitis have been reported in U. Horses represent In , West Nile virus appeared for the first time in Pennsylvania in birds, mosquitoes and a horse. To combat the spread of West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, Pennsylvania has developed a comprehensive network. This network, which covers 40 counties, includes trapping mosquitoes, collecting dead birds and monitoring horses, people and, in past years, sentinel chickens.

Mosquito Control State DEP and county mosquito control professionals have been using Bti, a naturally occurring bacteria, to kill mosquito larvae for years. This material is now becoming widely available for you to buy and use yourself at home. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. WNV infection causes muscle tremors, incoordination and sometimes death. Owners should keep records of all vaccinations or treatments which may affect international shipment of horses.

Owners are advised to contact the U. Department of Agriculture or their state Department of Agriculture for current regulations involving interstate and international travel of horses. Horse owners can reduce the likelihood of exposure to mosquitoes by implementing the following pest management practices:. Research continues to provide more information about West Nile encephalitis. Horse owners should stay informed of current information concerning this disease, especially if it is detected in their area.

For more information on the most current recommendations regarding prevention and treatment, consult reliable sources, such as your veterinarian, and Web sites, such as the ones noted in this fact sheet. The West Nile virus represents a real health threat to horses because they appear more susceptible to the disease than other livestock or companion animals. Vaccines are generally effective in preventing West Nile encephalitis when administered properly according to your veterinarian's recommendations and used in conjunction with preventative management practices.

West Nile virus will be a threat to horses as long as a virus reservoir remains in the bird population, as is the case with Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.

Although many West Nile virus infections in horses last only a short time and result in no illness or mild signs with a complete recovery, the disease can be deadly. Thus, horse owners should take precautions to minimize exposure to mosquitoes and should monitor their animals for encephalitic signs.

They should quickly contact their veterinarian to examine and test any horse that is showing any signs suggestive of this disease. For help in assessing mosquito exposure risks on your property and for suggested control practices, please contact your local Penn State Extension office, county Department of Health, local veterinarian, or a mosquito pest control company.

Further information can be found at the following Web sites:. Geological Survey, Disease Maps. Davidson A. Traub-Daragatz et al. Vest, D. Cohen, C. Berezowski et al. Wilson, W. Text reviewed by Jacob R. Let's Stay Connected. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. View our privacy policy. Thank you for your submission! Home West Nile Encephalitis in Horses. West Nile Encephalitis in Horses.

Read about the transmission of West Nile virus to horses, signs, treatments, vaccine information, and prevention and control. The Merck Veterinary Manual was first published in as a service to the community. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Veterinary Topics. Videos Figures Images Quizzes. Transmission to People. For More Information. Test your knowledge. Anemia may be regenerative, indicating the bone marrow is responding and attempting to replace red blood cells RBCs , or nonregenerative, in which the bone marrow response is not able to meet the increased need for RBCs.

Which of the following CBC findings is consistent with nonregenerative anemia? More Content. The transmission cycle of West Nile virus. Mosquitoes are the disease vector, and birds are the reservoir hosts.

Horses and people are incidentally infected.