How to Protect Your Horse from West Nile Virus Infection

Late summer is peak transmission season for West Nile, and equine case numbers are rising in many regions.
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How to Protect Your Horse from West Nile Virus Infection
Two important methods will help protect horses against WNV infection: reduce exposure to mosquitoes and vaccinate against the virus | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Late summer is peak transmission season for West Nile virus (WNV), and confirmed cases are rising among horses in many regions.

Veterinarians and public health experts urge owners to protect their horses by reducing mosquito populations and possible breeding areas. Equine veterinarians at Colorado State University’s (CSU) James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital say two important methods will help protect horses against WNV infection: reduce exposure to mosquitoes and vaccinate against the virus.

Reduce exposure to mosquitoes

  • When possible, stall horses during peak mosquito activity, at dawn and dusk.
  • Eliminate areas of standing or stagnant water on property, dispose of discarded tires, and change birdbath water and water in tanks for horses at least weekly.
  • Use fans designed for outdoor or agricultural use on horses while stabled.
  • Use insect repellants designed for horses. A fly sheet and fly mask will minimize your horse’s exposure to mosquitoes.
  • Use incandescent bulbs around the perimeter of the stable.
  • Remove any dead birds found on the property, as birds are part of the virus cycle. To pick up a bird, use rubber gloves or a plastic bag turned inside out. For information on testing of birds for WNV, contact your public health office.

WNV vaccinations

There are currently four licensed vaccine formulations available for use in horses based on efficacy and safety studies for protection against WNV. “West Nile is one of our core vaccines, so most people vaccinate here,” said Luke Bass, DVM, a veterinarian with CSU’s Equine Field Service. The American Association of Equine Practitioners recognizes the WNV vaccine as one all horses should receive at least annually, regardless of geographic location.

Though the WNV vaccine is commonly used in horses, vaccination is just one part of the preventive strategy; methods to reduce mosquito exposure should be employed at the same time. Vaccination against other causes of equine encephalitis (Eastern equine encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis) does not protect your horse against WNV

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