Horse owners should protect now against West Nile

Yakima Herald-Republic
March 30, 2010

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The state veterinarian wants horse owners to vaccinate their livestock against the West Nile virus, which can cause a potentially fatal disease. Washington led the nation the past two years for equine cases of the disease.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on an infected bird. The disease can sicken people, horses, many types of birds and other animals. It is not spread from horses to other animals.

Six counties accounted for 72 horses testing positive for the virus in 2009, up from 41 confirmed cases in 2008. This includes 23 horses in Benton County, 17 horses in Yakima County, 16 horses in Kittitas County, 11 horses in Grant County, three horses in Franklin County and two horses in Adams County. Western Washington reported no equine cases, although six dead birds tested positive.

"Nearly half of the horses infected last year either died from the illness or had to be euthanized," said Veterinarian Dr. Leonard Eldridge. "It's a shame that unvaccinated horses continue to be one of our most active indicators warning us that the virus is present in a local community. Clearly, WNV is an ongoing threat."

Source: http://www.yakima-herald.com/blogs/well-being/posts/29406