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The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forests announced on September 14 that a horse from York County had been tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first confirmed case of VNO in Maine horses.
The horse began to show neurological signs of illness last week and is currently undergoing veterinary support. The horse has not been vaccinated against the disease.
"WNV and Eastern equine encephalitis, which are borne by mosquitoes, are viral diseases that cause similar signs and are often fatal in unvaccinated horses," said Michele Walsh, DVM, veterinarian of the State of Maine. "Both viruses can affect humans if they are bitten by mosquitoes carrying viruses. People can not get WNV or EEE infection from sick animals, but only through the bite of an infected mosquito. "
VNO 101
West Nile virus is transmitted to horses by the bites of infected mosquitoes. All infected horses do not show clinical signs, but those who do may have:
- Fuzzy signs, where the horse seems slightly anorexic and depressed;
- Thin and coarse fasciculation of muscles and skin (tension);
- Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);
- Changes in mentality (mentality), when the horses seem to dream or "not to have";
- Occasional drowsiness;
- Propulsive walking (driving or pushing, often without control); and
- Spinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; and
- Ataxia asymmetrical or symmetrical (incoordination).
West Nile has no cure, however some horses can recover with supportive care. The equine mortality rates can reach 30 to 40%.
Disease prevention
"VNO and EEE vaccination can be avoided in horses," said Walsh. "If more than six months have passed since the vaccination of a horse, a booster vaccination may be necessary."
Although EEE has not yet been detected in Maine in 2018, it has been detected here in recent years and has been detected in neighboring states and Canadian provinces this year.
The horses vaccinated in recent years need an annual booster injection, but veterinarians could recommend two boosters a year, one in the spring and the other in the fall, in areas where the mosquito season is prolonged. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a series of two-shot vaccines over a period of three to six weeks. Full immunity takes several weeks to reach.
In addition to vaccinations, owners should strive to reduce mosquito populations and breeding areas as well as exposure of horses by:
- Remove stagnant water sources;
- Empty, clean and regularly fill buckets and water tanks;
- Keep animals indoors during insect feeding periods (usually early morning and evening); and
- Application of mosquito repellents approved for equine use.
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