WEST NILE VIRUS
Updated Links:
West
Nile Virus - Facts and Prevention
West
Nile Virus: Controlling The Risk To Your Horse
West Nile Virus
Information Page
USDA/APHIS
CT
DEP Mosquito Management Program
Three
Horses in CT Infected with West Nile Virus, 9/15/00
West
Nile Infected Horse in Wakefield, RI (9/5/00)
West
Nile Infected Horse in Massachusetts (9/1/00)
FIRST CONFIRMED CASE OF EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS DUE TO
WEST NILE VIRUS
Euthanized Horse from Staten Island Tests Positive for West Nile
State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers today announced the death of
a 26-year old horse on Staten Island due to the infection of the West Nile
Virus, along with other medical complications.
The horse became ill on August 17th, showing signs of muscle tremors and an
inability to rise without assistance, all possible signs of equine
encephalitis. In addition, the horse had evidence of kidney failure.
The
horse was euthanized on August 20th.
"It is unfortunate, but not surprising that this horse was infected with
the
West Nile Virus," said Commissioner Rudgers. "We are doing
everything we can
to help prevent the spread of these mosquitoes and the further infection of
this deadly disease."
On Sunday, August 27, the New York City Department of Health coordinated
efforts to spray Staten Island in an effort to control the mosquitoes that
transmit West Nile virus. The Island is scheduled to be sprayed again on
Wednesday, August 30, weather permitting.
"With the assistance of the New York City Department of Health, we will
continue to fight the vectors of this disease," added Commissioner
Rudgers,
"and encourage everyone to take preventative measures for themselves and
their horses."
Horses become infected with the West Nile Virus when infected mosquitoes bite
them. Horses cannot spread West Nile to other horses, people or pets.
Not all horses that are infected with West Nile Virus become ill. Last
year,
samples from clinically normal horses that were stalemates of the affected
horses showed that 29 percent of these horses had also been infected with
West Nile, even though they were never ill.
Last year, 25 horses on Long Island were clinically ill with neurologic signs
and had evidence of being infected with West Nile Virus. Nine of those
horses died or were euthanized.
Precautions to decrease mosquito habitat can help minimize the chance of
becoming infected with West Nile Virus, as well as horses in your area.
You
can decrease mosquito habitat near your home and stable areas by emptying
standing water from cans, tires, swimming pool covers, clogged gutters or
other materials, which can serve as mosquito breeding sites. Don't let
water
troughs become breeding sites; keep water fresh in troughs at all times.
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