Sapulpa Veterinary Hospital - West Nile Disease

12226 Heywood
Hill Road
Sapulpa, Oklahoma 74066
(918) 224-6867

SUPERIOR EQUINE MEDICAL CARE IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY

Office Hours
Mon- Fri 7:30-5:00
Sat-7:30-12:00

Horse laughing

The WNV Vaccine
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted a full license for the first West Nile virus vaccine for horses. Only the Fort Dodge Animal Health vaccine is labeled for vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by West Nile virus. The recommended dose is two 1-mL doses, three weeks apart, plus annual revaccination. The vaccine is available only from a licensed veterinarian.

It is important to remember that vaccines that protect your horse against Western, Eastern and Venezuelan equine encephalitis do not protect against encephalitis caused by West Nile virus.

*If you vaccinate against Western, Eastern and/or Venezuelan encephalitis, you should vaccinate against West Nile virus as well.

Safety
Safety tested in 649 horses of many breeds, ages and sizes in five states

Shown to be 96.28% free of local or systemic reactions

Each serial is tested to ensure there is no surviving virus in the vaccine

Adjuvanted with MetaStim(tm) for enhanced efficacy

Efficacy
Shown to be 95% effective in challenge studies.

Vaccinated horses in FDAH studies developed WNV-neutralizing antibodies, as measured by the standard plaque reduction neutralization test.

Induction of significant neutralizing antibody levels gives a reasonable expectation of efficacy

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With all the rain that we've recently had, the mosquito population will be on the rise. Therefore, the risk for West Nile Virus will be increased. Now is the time to vaccinate your horses against WNV. A number of measures can be taken to help protect your horse against WNV. Horses vaccinated against Eastern, Western or Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis are not protected against WNV. In February 2003, a vaccine was licensed by the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics for use in healthy horses. The vaccine has been used extensively to prevent WNV infections in horses.

Aside from vaccination against WNV, other measures should be taken to reduce the risk of your horse being bitten by a virus-infected mosquito. Concerted efforts should be made to eliminate or reduce potential mosquito breeding sites by disposing of old receptacles, tires and containers and eliminating areas of standing water on farms or wherever horses congregate.

Clean clogged roof gutters and turn over plastic wading pools or wheelbarrows when not in use. Thoroughly clean livestock watering troughs at least monthly. Keep horses indoors during peak mosquito activity periods (dusk to dawn). Screen stalls (if possible) or at least install fans over the horses to help deter mosquitoes. Avoid turning on lights inside the stable during the evening or overnight. Because mosquitoes are attracted to light, placing incandescent bulbs around the perimeter of the stable will attract mosquitoes away from the horses. Lights can also be used to draw mosquitoes to electric bug zappers.

The use of insect repellant that contain pyrethrin on horses can also reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes. Remove any birds (including chickens) located in or close to a stable. Because WNV can affect humans as well as horses, don’t forget to take actions to protect yourself as well. When outdoors in the evening, wear clothing that covers your skin and apply plenty of mosquito repellent.

West Nile Virus Facts

1) Migratory Birds will be heading north soon and they will have the West Nile Virus.

2) Warm weather is around the corner - and so are the mosquitoes.

3) In 2002 there were 3,389 cases of West Nile Virus reported in humans in 39 states. This disease is particularly dangerous for the elderly and very young.

4) In 2002 there were 14,717 cases of West Nile Virus reported in horses in 46 states. Of those reports, 954 of those cases were reported in Oklahoma.

foals

Signs of West Nile Virus

These symptoms can be confused with rabies, EPM ("Possum Disease), equine encephalitis, and other serious neurological diseases. If you see these signs in your horse, see your veterinarian immediately.

Stumbling or tripping
Muscle weakness or twitching
Partial paralysis
Loss of appetite
Depression or lethargy
Head pressing or tilt
Impaired vision
Wandering or circling
Inability to swallow
Inability to stand up
Fever
Convulsions
Coma
Death

Contact us to vaccinate

Sapulpa Veterinary Hospital is recommending that any horse vaccinated before 12-31-02 should have both the March and August booster but horses vaccinated in January or February 2003 need only have the August booster.

West Nile Vaccination
Protocol

Dr. Rob King, head of the Fort Dodge West Nile Program, recommends the following vaccination schedule:

A) Adult horses should be vaccinated twice this year - early spring and early fall. If the horse has never been vaccinated for West Nile Virus, he should receive two boosters four weeks apart in March and then one booster in August.

B) Pregnant broodmares are the exception. They should have all yearly vaccinations (including West Nile) 30 days before anticipated foaling date.

C) Foals - consult your veterinarian for proper vaccination protocol.

Let's work on wiping out West Nile
in Oklahoma

How do Horses get West Nile Virus?

Click the graphic above to see the typical transmission cycle of the West Nile Virus.

The cycle starts with infected birds, which can travel long distances in a short amount of time . When a mosquito bites a bird carrying the West Nile virus, it too becomes infected. The mosquito then feeds on a horse, human or other mammal. Once a horse has been bitten, it may take only 5 to 15 days for signs of West Nile virus to appear.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Your veterinarian may be able to provide supportive therapy that can save your horses life. However, in addition to good mosquito control, there is now a vaccine that may aid in the prevention of disease caused by West Nile virus.

Mosquito Control Tips

Keep horses stabled during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
Turn off lights that attract mosquitoes at night
Use fluorescent lights, which do not attract mosquitoes
Keep screens in stable windows
Eliminate common mosquito breeding areas like shallow stagnant water and puddles
Empty water collecting in buckets, tarps or tires
Clean water troughs once a week
Use mosquito repellent

Frequently Asked Questions - Click Here

Staff@sapulpavet.com