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West Nile Virus and your HorseThe West Nile virus (WNv) is transmitted by mosquitoes and afflicts people, birds and a variety of mammals including horses. The virus is usually transmitted from wild birds to animals via mosquitoes and causes inflammation of the brain, spinal cord and surrounding tissue. Many horses that become infected by WNv do not show any symptoms and will eliminate the virus, returning to normal health. Some horses however, will develop a clinical disease which can be life-threatening. According to Dr. Gerald Ollis, Chief Veterinarian with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD), symptoms of a horse infected with WNv include listlessness, a change in demeanor, drooping lips, muscle twitching, a lack or co-ordination, weakness in the limbs, partial paralysis or an inability to get up. Horses displaying signs of WNv can undergo therapy to reduce symptoms; however, up to 35% of horses affected may die or need to be euthanized due to complications from the disease. “Prevention is the key because there is no treatment for infected horses,” says Dr. Gerald Hauer, Assistant Chief Veterinarian with AARD. Prevention of West Nile virus can be accomplished by reducing exposure to mosquitoes. The species of mosquito that carries the WNv breeds in small, warm puddles of water which can be found in bird baths, eavestroughs, old tires and even footprints in the mud. Eliminating water from these sites will reduce mosquito populations. This can be done by cleaning eavestroughs weekly, reducing standing water and keeping grass short around buildings. Avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito times - dawn and dusk -will also help reduce exposure to the mosquitoes. Other measures include use of insect repellent or smudges for your horse, or placement of fans in stables to increase airflow. You should also contact your veterinarian if you suspect your horse has WNv. The best way to keep your horse healthy and disease-free is prevention. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency |
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