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County records horse death from West Nile

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Wilson County News
October 27, 2009 | 1 comment

After a three-year hiatus, equine encephalitis or West Nile virus has made its return to Wilson County, according to an area veterinarian.

Jeffrey Glover, DVM, of the Animal Crossing Veterinary Hospital of Floresville, said two cases have been confirmed in the county -- one in the Poth area and another in northern Wilson County.

As of Oct. 19, one horse has died and a second has been mildly affected by the virus.

In 2009, nine cases of West Nile virus have been found in horses in Texas, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, with eight of these reported since Aug. 10. This number is down from the 111 cases confirmed in 2006.

Although the main virus transmission cycle is between birds and mosquitoes, horse owners should take precautions.

West Nile was first detected in the United States in 1999, with Texas’ first case
reported in 2002, when 1,699 equine animals were stricken.

Horses are most susceptible to the virus because of outdoor exposure to mosquitoes that may carry the virus. Other susceptible animals include pheasants, quail, ostriches, and emus. Puppies are also at risk. Humans also can be affected. To date, there have been six human deaths in Texas in 2009 attributed to West Nile virus.

Clinical signs of West Nile virus in horses include stumbling; depression or anxiety; weakness of limbs, partial paralysis, or inability to stand; muscle twitching; or death. Horses may become infected without showing any clinical signs.

Glover advises horse owners to vaccinate now or have their horse vaccinated with a booster at regular intervals for protection against the virus.

All cases of equine encephalitis virus should be reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Animal Health Commission, due to the risk to humans.

Prevent West Nile virus

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than four days. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding and spreading the West Nile virus:
•Remove potential mosquito-breeding sites, including water-holding containers, such as tires and buckets.
•Drill holes in the bottom of containers that are left outside.
•Clean livestock watering troughs and birdbaths every 1-3 days.
•Clean clogged roof gutters every year.
•Turn over wading pools or wheelbarrows when not in use, and do not let water stagnate in birdbaths.
•Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not in use and do not let water collect on pool covers.
•Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water can collect.
•Keep horses stabled during peak mosquito feeding times, generally at dusk and dawn.
•Use a topical mosquito repellent for horses. Read the label before using. (Products should contain permethrin, not DEET).
Sources: the University of Florida Extension Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
 


Your Opinions and Comments
 
Rodrigo Salazar-Botero  
October 27 at 3:15pm
 		  
I've often read that mosquito repellents should no be used on animals, if this is the case, what is the best way to protect horses or dogs from being bitten by mosquitoes.
Many ... Read More Read More
 

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