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Posted by GreatNSmall on September 17, 2002 at 20:07:07:
In Reply to: West Nile - a manufactured crisis? posted by RedSky on September 09, 2002 at 17:51:24:
Sir:
Sorry that I didn't even read your message very thoroughly, as I was so caught up in the response by one of this forum's moderators.
Manufactured? I'm assuming you are speaking in terms of the affect of the virus on humans. It is true that there are subtle differences between West Nile and St. Louis. For that matter, influenzas kill more humans annually. The crisis is to animals. Horses in particular. Dogs are affected very minimally, and generally recover from only very minor symptoms. One other individual mentioned discussion of a vaccination program for dogs, however no recommendations have been given, as said earlier, dogs are only minimally affected. Birds, raptors in particular, are almost as greatly affected as horses. The possibility of catastrophic loss of great numbers of horses and birds is a real and present danger.
Infected horses die at a rate of nearly two to one. It's a hideous progression. Vaccinated horses are immune. When the concern about West Nile first arose, veterinarians began to alert clients, and suggested vaccinating before the migration began from the East Coast westward. Many owners took the "NIMBY" (Not In My Back Yard) position. Now those owners are scrambling around screaming for the vaccine, praying that they've had ample time for immunity to become effective. It's taken on near-panic proportions. I think it is very self-serving and sanctimonious for some who are apparently in position here to enscribe their opinions, which are evidently adverse to the whole process of development/utilization of serums because they believe that the system of testing/approval/release is corrupt. It's highly irresponsible as well. Horses are dying without the vaccine. There are two choices. (1) Vaccinate for survival (2)do not vaccinate, and infection will very likely cause the death of an animal. Sometimes these processes have to be funneled through bureaucracy in order to save lives. It's shameful that there are some here, and I've seen the same attitudes demonstrated over and over again in the various venues these individuals have inhabited among the years (VIN, AOL Pet Care Forum, for instance) who persist with their dogma and apparent need to use these various venues as platforms for their own agendas. It's just shameful because it's evident by some of the comments contained herein: "sadly, I agree", that others are influenced and follow along for the simple reason that these individuals portray themselves as being empowered and knowledgeable