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Show A joint publication of the misliJflriiPreMandScringvilleiierald- Page 22, Februaiy 12, 2004 West Nile Virus found in two horses in eastern Utah Farm & Agriculture Note: As of November 2003, a total of 35 cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have been detected in Utah horsesThe 35 cases are distributed as follows: eight from Emery County 16 from Uintah County, three from Duchesne County, two from Sanpete County two from Wayne County and four from Millard County. Tests conducted on two horses in eastern Utah have confirmed that the animals were infected with West Nile Virus (WNV).The horses were located in Uintah and Emery Counties. The test results came on the same day that the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed the presence of WNV in two sentinel chickens located in Carbon County. Also, two pools of mosquitoes from Utah and Uintah counties tested positive pos-itive for WNV. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is strongly advising horse owners throughout the state to continue to protect their animals by vaccinating them for the West Nile Virus if they haven't done so already. The UDAF also advises all Utahns to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from WNV. The UDAF has been advising horse owners to administer two vaccination shots this past spring. It is now advisable advis-able to administer a booster shot for added protection. The WNV vaccine is available from local veterinarians. WNV is not transmissible from horses to humans. No human, or other animal cases of West Nile Virus have been reported by the Utah Department of Health or Department of Agriculture and Food. "Until this point, Utah was one of only four states without the West Nile Virus," said state veterinarian, Dr. Michael R. Marshall. "We knew it was just a matter of time before the virus arrived in the state and we have been using this time to inform horse owners and the general public about ways to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease," he said. The most common sign of West Nile virus in horses is weakness, usually in the hindquarters. Weakness may be indicated by a widened stance, stumbling, stum-bling, leaning to one side and toe dragging. In extreme cases, paralysis may follow. Fiver is sometimes evident, evi-dent, as are nepression and fearful-ness. fearful-ness. WNV r ises encephalitis and affects the ct ' . ai nervous system. Horse owners who suspect West Nile viral infection of their animal should contact their veterinarian immediately. Approximately one third of horses that show signs of the illness will die. Eighty percent of WNV in horses occurs in August and September. Horse owners should have their horses vaccinated; vaccination after exposure may not protect pro-tect the horse against the disease. The equine vaccine requires two doses and takes approximately five weeks to offer protection from the disease. dis-ease. Once vaccinated, yearly booster shots are necessary. Horse owners can protect their ani- Questions and Answers about WNV in Utah Q. What is West Nile Virus? A. West Nile is a virus that causes encephalitis in humans and horses. Recently the virus has been found in the Eastern States of the U.S., The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that acquire it from infected birds. Q. How could a horse getWest Nile virus? A. Horses become infected with West Nile Virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Horses can not transmit the West Nile virus to other horses, birds or people. Q. What are the signs and symptoms ortVest Nile encephalitis in horses? A. In horses that do become clinically ill, the virus infects the central nervous system and causes symptoms of encephalitis. Clinical signs can include: loss of appetite, depression, fever, weakness of hind limbs, paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, ataxia, head pressing, aimless aim-less wandering, convulsions, inability to swallow, circling, hyperexcitability, or coma. Q. Is there a treatment for West Nile encephalitis in Hexes? A. No, supportive veterinary care is recommended. Q. Is there a vaccine for West Nile Virus? A. Yes there is vaccine in use for horses produced by Fort Dodge Animal Health. The recommended dose is two 1-mL 1-mL doses, three weeks apart, plus annual revaccination. The vaccine is available only from a licensed veterinarian. Q. Are humans at risk for gettlngWest Nile encephalitis? A. All residents of areas where virus activity has been identified identi-fied are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis; persons older than 50 years have the highest risk of severe disease. Q. What are the symptoms ofWest Nile encephalitis? A. Most infections are mild, and symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, weak-ness, paralysis, and rarely death. Q. What is the incubation period in humans (i.e.time from infection to onset of disease symptoms) foWest Nile encephalitis? A. Usually 3 to 15 days. Q. How can I reduce the number of mosquitoes around ny home? A. Reduce the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding: Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers on your property. Remove all discarded tires. Clean clogged roof gutters. See WEST NILE, Page 23 'We knew it was just a matter of time before the virus arrived in the state and we have been using this time to inform horse owners and the general public pub-lic about ways to protect pro-tect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease." Dr. Michael R. Marshall, state veterinarian mals by applying approved repellants to the animals and by controlling mosquitoes and mosquito breeding areas. Horse owners may also protect the animals by putting them in the barn or other enclosed structures. For questions or concerns regarding regard-ing WNV in animals, contact the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food at (801) 538-7161. For questions or concerns regarding regard-ing WNV in humans, contact the Utah Department of Health at (801) 538-6191. 538-6191. To report a dead bird sighting, call either of the numbers above, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at (801) 538-4700 or your local health department. depart-ment. Courtesy of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food West Nlto Virus Cases in Utah Hufse (35 No WNV Defected I 4 WWMwM Sal Lkis 5 . 6mm Irian Kit |