WEST NILE VIRUS
The Texas Animal Health Commission recomends vaccinating all horses NOW for maximum protection from West Nile Virus. The vaccine
must be given in 2 doses, administered several weeks apart, and full protection does NOT develop until 4-6 weeks after the second dose.
It can take up to 10 weeks for the horse to be disease-resistant.
WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?
This is one of the fastest growing health threats to U.S. horses today. Since it's discovery in New York in 1999, this mosquito borne
disease has spread quickly through the U.S.
HOW DO HORSES GET WEST NILE VIRUS?
The cycle starts with infected birds, which can travel long distances in a short amount of time. When a mosquito bites an infected bird, it
too becomes infected. The mosquito then feeds on a horse, human or other mammal. Once a horse has been bitten, it may take 5-15 days for the signs
of the virus to appear.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF WEST NILE VIRUS?
- Stumbling or tripping, staggering, falling, or inability to rise
- Muscle weakness or twitching
- Partial paralysis
- Loss of appetite
- Blistering around the lips, teats, or hooves
- Unusual ticks or maggots
- Depression or lethargy
- Head pressing or tilt
- Impaired vision
- Wandering or circling
- Inability to swallow
- Inability to stand up
- Fever
- Convulsion
- Coman
- Death
**These symptoms can be confused with Rabies, EPM, Equine Encephalitis, and other serious neurological diseases. If you see these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately!!
HOW DO I PROTECT MY HORSES?
Vaccinate! The U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted a conditional license for the first West Nile virus vaccine for horses. This new vaccine has
shown that vaccinated horses develop serum neutralizing antibodies against West Nile Virus and has been safety tested in 649 horses of various ages, breeds,
and sizes. The vaccine is available only from a licensed veterinarian.
Call us for an appointment to vaccinate your horse!