The threat of West Nile virus is real, and Washington State Department of Agriculture officials have one piece of advice: vaccinate. Their recommendation comes ahead of mosquito season, where the vaccination can be most effective.
In the vaccination notice, Brian Joseph, state veterinarian, said: "Now is the time to vaccinate for this mosquito-borne disease, due to our extremely wet winter and Washington's history of leading the nation with equine cases of the West Nile virus."
In 2016, the state had 27 confirmed equine cases of the virus. Seven horses died or were euthanized. In 2015, there were 36 confirmed cases statewide.
The vaccine has proven effective if administered early enough for protection before mosquito season. The first confirmed case in 2016 was reported in late July by Washington State University's Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Pullman. Ten counties reported cases last year, with infected horses in Benton, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties. Spokane County has the most, with eight cases.
Spread by mosquitoes, the virus is potentially fatal to horses. Mosquitos carry the virus, which they have gotten by feeding on infected birds. While the virus can sicken people, horses, birds and other animals, it does not directly spread from horses to people or other animals.
To be effective, horses must receive two doses of the vaccine initially, and then get an annual booster. If you vaccinated in 2016, now is a good time to administer that booster, too. Added Joseph: "We advise horse owners to consult with their veterinarian to discuss vaccinations for West Nile virus, equine herpes and other diseases."
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