West Nile virus has already killed at least two dozen horses in
Manitoba this summer, but awareness of the virus is helping reduce
further losses.
As of Aug. 24, tests had found the virus in 26 horses. Twenty-four of
those horses were dead when samples for the tests were taken.
Tests on dozens more horses are being done, but because owners are
becoming familiar with the virus, they are watching their horses more
closely and contacting veterinarians promptly.
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That is allowing time to begin therapy, which can prevent infected
horses from dying.
As of Aug. 30, at least 60 other horses were being tested for West
Nile. However, three-quarters of them were still living when
veterinarians decided testing was warranted.
The province and the horse industry have been working together to
heighten awareness of the virus, which causes central nervous system
disorders in horses and can lead to death.
Allan Preston, Manitoba Agriculture’s director of veterinary field
services, said last week that the number of suspected West Nile Virus
infections continues to increase almost daily, although it has not
reached epidemic proportions
“The horse industry is quite concerned,” he said. “The numbers have
increased probably more than most of us would have expected.”
Horse owners who see signs of a central nervous system disorder are
encouraged to consult a veterinarian who can help determine whether
West Nile is at play rather than a more likely disease such as rabies.
Signs of infection in horses can include stumbling, weakness in their
hind legs, an inability to stand, limb paralysis, listlessness, head
shaking and death. There may also be fever.
Mosquitoes spread the West Nile Virus. All ages of horses are
susceptible.
There is a vaccination to guard against the virus. It is available only
through veterinarians.
The vaccine is given in two doses at a price ranging between $20 to $35
per horse. There is an interval of three to four weeks between the
first and second dose and it usually takes a couple of weeks after the
second dose for the immunity to take hold.
With fall approaching, the mosquito population will taper off. While it
is probably now too late to start vaccinating against West Nile for
this year, Preston said horse owners unsure of what to do can consult a
veterinarian.
“If you’re more comfortable vaccinating, by all means go ahead.”
Based on the number of doses of vaccine brought into Manitoba, Preston
estimates that about 2,200 horses have been vaccinated against West
Nile virus. That’s out of a population of 65,000 to 70,000 horses.
Stabling horses in a barn with mosquito netting, using insect sprays
and repellents and burning smudges are some of the other measures
owners can take to limit the risk of infection.
