Over the course of the past few weeks, news articles and Internet rumors have surfaced regarding the West Nile-Innovator vaccine, the USDA-approved vaccine for protecting horses against West Nile virus. The rumors and misinformation pertain specifically to abortions and deformed foals following vaccination for West Nile virus. An article published in the Denver Post on May 30, 2003, has served to intensify the spread of inaccurate and misleading information on this critically important matter. As a result, Fort Dodge Animal Health, manufacturer of the West Nile-Innovator vaccine, would like to set the record straight regarding the safety and efficacy of this vaccine.

• The USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics is not considering any market intervention against the West Nile-Innovator vaccine, contrary to the implication in the Denver Post article. Many comments by the USDA official in the article were taken out of context, and are inconsistent with the Department’s official position on the vaccine.

• While the USDA is aware of a few reports of abortions following use of the vaccine in pregnant mares, the Department’s official recommendation for prevention of West Nile virus still includes vaccination, as outlined on their website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/ada_ahwnv.html

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