Thursday, October 2, 2003
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jason Aldous, Communications & Outreach Coordinator
(802) 828-3829; E-mail: jason@agr.state.vt.us
Agriculture Officials Report First Equine Case Of West
Nile Virus In Vermont In 2003
MONTPELIER -- Animal health officials with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture,
Food & Markets have confirmed that one horse in Addison County has tested
positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) and say they are awaiting test results
on a second one that is strongly suspected to be positive. This is the first
confirmed equine case in 2003. Both of the horses are said to be stable and
are recovering.
Since the virus is not contagious, agricultural officials say the infected
horse doesn't pose a risk to humans or other animals and are respecting the
owners wishes not to be identified.
Vermont recorded a total of 5 equine WNV cases in 2002. To date in 2003,
75 birds from 11 different Vermont counties have tested positive for West
Nile virus. There has also been one confirmed human case, in an Addison County
resident who was likely infected while traveling in Nebraska and Colorado.
Since the first identification of West Nile Virus infection in horses in
New York State four years ago, 39 other states have reported at least one
equine WNV case. West Nile virus was first documented in the U.S. in 1999
and in Vermont in 2000. Nationally, 43 states have documented West Nile virus
activity to date in 2003. In 2002, more than 15,000 equines in 40 states
were diagnosed with cases of illness caused by WNV.
West Nile Virus in horses is not contagious and does not present a threat
of spreading to people or other animals. Furthermore, the risk of exposure
for individual horses is considered to be low. An outbreak affecting a large
number of horses is not considered likely since cases tend to occur sporadically
within a region.
Horses infected with the virus can show neurological signs consistent with
infection of the brain and spinal cord, similar to encephalitis in humans.
The most frequent signs include: weakness; lack of coordination affecting
mostly the hind limbs, which may include falling down and an inability to
rise; depression or apprehension, and muscle tremors.
Horses, like people, acquire the infection from mosquitoes that have fed
off infected birds. The most important preventive measures that horse owners
can take is to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around the farm which are
found where stagnant water collects.
State agriculture officials are also urging horse owners to consider vaccinating
their horses for West Nile Virus. The vaccine is available from veterinarians
and it is necessary to complete the full course of vaccination to achieve
effective immunity. This includes at least two doses 3-6 weeks apart and
then one dose annually thereafter. The use of insect repellents and screening
may also be helpful. While it is late in 2003 to be considering vaccination,
the Agency says it should be a priority for horse owners prior to the 2004
mosquito season.
Approximately one third of clinically affected horses will die or need to
be euthanized as a result of West Nile Virus. The majority of animals usually
recover fully. Horse owners should consult their veterinarian about any horses
that may be showing suspicious signs or for more information about vaccination.
For both horses and humans, prevention is critical. One of the chief methods
of prevention is eliminating any sources of stagnant water around the home
or farm which can include old tires, bird baths, containers left outdoors,
roof gutters and children's swimming pools. In addition to reducing sources
of standing water, state health officials also urge people to take common
sense precautions including wearing long sleeves and pants when outside,
limiting outdoor time at dawn and dusk and other times when mosquitoes are
out, and using an insect repellant that contains DEET¾carefully following
product directions and never using it on infants.
The Health Department also renewed its call for Vermont residents who see
a dead bird to report it by calling 1-800-913-1139. Reporting may also be
done at Health Department district offices. Locations and phone numbers are
listed on the Health Department web site at http://www.healthyvermonters.info/cph/local/local.shtml.
Testing dead birds is one part of the state's West Nile virus surveillance
program. In addition, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, led by State Entomologist
Jon Turmel, is trapping, typing and testing mosquitoes for the presence of
the virus. No mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus so far
this season.
More information on West Nile virus in animals can be found on the Vermont
Department of Agriculture's website at www.vermontagriculture.com.
