Care and Knowledge
Care and Knowledge
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:
1. 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.
2. Eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. Dispose of old receptacles,
tires and containers and eliminate areas of standing water.
3. Thoroughly clean livestock
watering troughs at least monthly.
4. 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.
5.
Keep your horse indoors during the peak mosquito activity periods of dusk to dawn.
6.
Screen stalls if possible or at least install fans over your horse to help deter
mosquitoes.
7. Avoid turning on lights inside the stable during the evening or overnight.
8.
Using insect repellants on your horse that are designed to repel mosquitoes can help
reduce the chance of being bitten.
9. Remove any birds, including chickens, located
in or close to a stable.
10. 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 the virus, ask your equine veterinarian for
the "West Nile
Virus" brochure, produced by the AAEP in conjunction with Bayer Animal
Health, an AAEP Educational Partner.
Additional information about WNV can be found
on the AAEP's horsehealth
Web site, www.myHorseMatters.com.
Reprinted with permission
from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Little Hawk Farm All Rights Reserved 2012