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West Nile Virus Update by Dr. Van Grouw on 9/1/12Our veterinarians emphasize that you should still vaccinate your horse for West Nile Virus. The number of reported cases seems to be rising in recent years, and the disease is still being spread between local mosquitoes and birds. Horses become infected once bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile Virus. We seem to see the greatest number of cases in August and September, and there has been a spike in reported cases in mid-August! Unvaccinated horses are still at risk to develop West Nile encephalitis, a brain disease causing approximately one-third of infected animals to die or to be euthanized. The most common symptoms are twitching muscles, stumbling, hind limb paralysis, and depression. Treatment options do exist, but they are expensive with potential side effects and the possibility of permanent neurological problems. Our practice produced an informative brochure about West Nile Virus when we were still associated with Smoketown Veterinary Hospital. Statistics about the number of positive mosquitoes, birds, and horses are available from the PA Departments of Environmental Protection, Health, and Agriculture. Humans, especially the very young and aging, can also be infected by bites from positive mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control has information on limiting your risk. Your horse can not transmit the virus to you or your other horses.
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