West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is a small virus that affects both humans and horses causing encephalitis! Most of us are familiar with the Eastern and Western Encephalitis viruses in horses, but don’t think about West Nile Virus encephalitis. West Nile encephalitis is described as an inflammation of the central nervous system and this is a good way to describe the disease.

How are People/Horses Infected:

Mosquitoes bite, or take a blood meal, from wild birds that are infected with West Nile and pick up the virus. These mosquitoes then can transmit the virus to people and other animals when biting. Infections occur primarily in the late summer or early fall, but can happen any time during the mosquito season. The virus is potentiated in birds and migratory birds are thought to spread the disease and accounts for the late summer to fall increase in WNV near migration areas. Recently, the incident has increased in many states and is alarming as treatment is not easy and not always successful.

Symptoms of West Nile:

West Nile Virus exposure does not always lead to signs of illness in people or animals. Horses and humans are susceptible to the infection and show similar signs.

• fever
• weakness of hind limbs
• paralysis of hind limbs
• impaired vision
• ataxia (weakness)
• head pressing
• aimless wandering
• convulsions (seizures)
• inability to swallow
• walking in circles
• hyperexcitability
• coma

West Nile can cause any or all of the above signs and should be examined immediately by a veterinarian if your horse exhibits them. Many other diseases including Eastern and Western encephalitis can mimic WNV. From clinical signs, it is hard to tell what encephalitis causes without spinal fluid testing.

Treatment:

Treatment is difficult and involves supporting the horse until they can fend off the virus. It is important to note there is no specific treatment for WNV. That makes prevention even more vital to your horse’s health.

Prevention:

Vaccination against WNV is the only protection available for horses. We recommend the vaccine - Prestige V + WNV, a killed version of West Nile. Mosquito control is also important to protect animals and humans. Eliminate standing water and containers that hold standing water. Discourage birds from living around your stable. Use sprays safe for the environment to control the mosquito population. We like Adams^™ Plus Yard Spray, Country Vet^® Mosquito & Fly Spray, or Permethrin 10%, these products are long-lasting and work to kill mosquitoes.

There is no way to prevent mosquitoes from biting your horse, but you can prevent the virus mosquitoes carry from becoming an issue! There is a vaccine that can help protect horses from getting West Nile Virus disease. If you have not vaccinated for WNV, order the vaccine today. You and your horse will be glad you did!

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of a qualified veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.

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