Vaccinate Horses Against West Nile Virus, Veterinarians Say

Though the Centers for Disease Control reported last week that more than 40 people have died across the country this year from West Nile virus (WNV), many horse owners can breath a little easier—the equine vaccines available are effective, according to veterinarians.

"All of my clients have been vaccinated for years now," Dr. Larry Kelly told Patch. "(Horse owners) are crazy if they don't."

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, about one-third of horses who exhibit clinical signs of WNV infection, which is transmitted by mosquitos, will die or be euthanized. Of the horses who survive, about 40 percent will still exhibit residual effects—such as gait and behavioral abnormalities—six months after they were diagnosed.

"(WNV) is a neurologic problem, and it's most difficult … to turn a horse around from the disease," Kelly said.

Symptoms of WNV in horses include fever, weakness, wobbles, seizures, falling down or even behavioral or mood changes, Kelly said.

The vaccines, which have been around for about a decade, require a two-shot series when first administered, then an an annual booster shot, according to veterinarian Dr. Ruth Sobeck.

Because it takes about six weeks for a horse to develop full immunity after being vaccinated, Kelly recommended horse owners vaccinate early.

"It doesn't do the horse any service (for the owner) to read in the newspaper that West Nile is here and then get (their horse) vaccinated," said Kelly. Horse owners should "think well ahead of what they want to do (and) … have these horses super-vaccinated by the time the disease is rolling through."