West Nile Virus Backgrounder |
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November 2001West Nile virusWest Nile is a mosquito-borne virus. Mosquitoes feed on birds infected with the virus and spread the disease by biting people or animals. The virus affects the central nervous system causing encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Horses are susceptible to West Nile virus and have an incubation period of three to 15 days from a mosquito bite to the onset of clinical disease. The virus is not spread from horse-to-man, man-to-horse or horse-to-horse. Horses and people are dead-end hosts. There are no documented cases of cattle, sheep or swine contracting this disease.Symptoms of West Nile virusThe clinical signs of the virus include lethargic behavior, clumsiness, stumbling, incoordination, loss of balance and weakness. West Nile virus can cause paralysis and may lead to death. These symptoms are common for many horse diseases, so it is important to contact your local veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. VaccinationVaccination is available against West Nile virus. It is available from local veterinarians and from the Purdue University Large Animal Clinic. PreventionPreventative measures need to be in place until the first hard freeze. Avoid having horses out when mosquitoes are at their peak and use insect repellent. Put up insect screens in barns to avoid contact between horses and mosquitoes. Eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes such as standing water in gutters, open containers, old tires and tarps. Who to contactContact your local veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis if clinical signs of West Nile virus are present. Contact your local county health department if you find a dead crow, blue jay or raptor to submit it for testing. Leave the dead bird where it is found until the arrival of health officials.
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