West Nile: Horses Need Protection, Too
This May's record rainfall has had a massively explosive impact on the mosquito population. Many communities in the area have started to spray in order to keep the mosquitoes in control, as the increase in mosquitoes also increases the risk of West Nile. A confirmed case of West Nile was already diagnosed in Harris County in May. But people aren't the only ones at risk--horses are too. In 2012, the first case of equine West Nile was diagnosed in New York, since then, the occurrence has become much more common. Symptoms that may indicate that your horse can contracted the virus include a wobbly stance, refusal to eat, fever, twitching muscles along the neck and shoulders, general depression or other neurological signs may be displayed. Out of horses that contract the virus, but the symoptoms are quickly recognized and proper care is administered, 1/3 survive the ordeal. Unlike humans, however, a West Nile vaccine is available for horses. Vets recommend that horses in areas with high mosquito populations--especially those with documented previous cases of West Nile--get their horses vaccinated twice a year: once in the summer, and once in the fall. The zoonotic virus can be transfered from animals to humans, and often spreads through an intermediate source. Often, this means birds, resulting in the summer and fall being higher risk seasons as the feathery population is migrating. Not all vaccines are 100% effective, but with a high death rate, some believe it is better safe than sorry.
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www.yourhoustonnews. com/tomball/living/w est-nile-virus-a-maj or-threat-to-ho