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Posted by GreatNSmall on September 17, 2002 at 22:38:06:

In Reply to: Re: West Nile - the vaccine... posted by RedSky on September 17, 2002 at 21:49:03:

:If that's a fact, then you must have the studies to prove it, right? And then this whole discussion is "mute" as my grandson would say?:

:Larry:

I like that.. "mute" From the mouths of babes, eh?

Here is an extract from a publication just released from CVMA.
(printed with permission)

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WNV in horses totals 164; additional cases expected through October
LAKEWOOD, Colo.- Today 12 additional horses tested positive for West Nile virus in Colorado: (1) Baca, (1) Elbert County, (1) Huerfano County, (1) Larimer County, (2) Pueblo County, (5) Weld County and (1) Yuma County.

Horses cannot infect other animals or people with WNV.
With these additional cases, a total of 164 horses have tested positive for WNV in 21 counties: Adams (2), Baca (1), Bent (4), Boulder (1), El Paso (2), Elbert (2), Fremont (2), Huerfano (1), Larimer (10), Las Animas (1), Lincoln (1), Logan (21), Morgan (8), Otero (14), Phillips (5), Prowers (4), Pueblo (20),
Sedgwick (4), Washington (4), Weld (53), Yuma (4). Of these 164 horses, at least 42 of them have died.

With additional cases expected, officials at the Colorado Department of Agriculture recommend using mosquito repellants on their horses as well as areas with standing water.

"We fully expect to have additional cases of West Nile in horses through October," said Wayne Cunningham, state veterinarian at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "Being aware of the symptoms and taking preventative measures are the best actions a horse owner can take right now."

Since mosquitoes are the primary means of spreading WNV, a key to prevention for horse owners is reducing the animals' exposure to the insects by removing water sources that serve as breeding areas. In addition, owners need to keep horses in housed areas during the bugs' feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and evening. Consumers have the option of choosing between dozens of mosquito repellants, which are registered with the Department, to use on their horses. Consumers need to check the label for specific instructions.

Another preventive measure is vaccinations, which require two shots during six weeks. The state also recommends horses have an additional booster shot next year as well. Although it does not provide a guarantee on immunity, it greatly increases the horse's chances of fighting WNV. Horse owners interested in
vaccinating their horses should consultwith their local veterinarians.

The disease can cause an inflammation of the brain and is transmitted by mosquitoes that can infect people and animals. Although both humans and animals have died from the disease, most WNV infections do not cause any illness. Horses infected with the virus do not transmit it to humans or other animals.
Clinical symptoms seen in infected horses include an elevated temperature, stumbling, lack of coordination, weakness of the limbs or partial paralysis. Of the horses that exhibit clinical signs of the infection, one of three will most likely die from the infection. The symptoms of WNV are similar to Western
Equine Encephalitis, which owners typically vaccinate their horses against. Since May, the Colorado Department of Agriculture can test for West Nile virus.

Since WNV is usually identified first in certain birds, individuals should report dead crows, magpies, jays and other migratory birds to their local health department.

In regards to other animals such as pets, there have been no documented cases of a dog or cat dying from the disease. Concerned pet owners need to consult with their veterinarian if their pets are exhibiting unusual symptoms.

This summer surrounding states such as Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming have confirmed cases of the disease. For more information on West Nile virus, visit the Internet at www.ag.state.co.us or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/index.html.

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How's that?

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