SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

West Nile Virus Continues to Threat Unvaccinated Horses

With spring here and temperatures on the rise throughout the country, growing mosquito populations increase the risk for deadly mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus and equine encephalomyelitis (Sleeping Sickness). To protect their horses from these diseases, owners are encouraged to vaccinate as part of a comprehensive prevention program.



Unseasonably warm winter weather, which has been experienced in many parts of the country, may lead to an increased threat of West Nile virus. The first case of equine West Nile in 2007 was reported in Sonoma County, Calif., in February – much earlier than recent years – and at least six counties in California have already reported West Nile virus activity. West Nile virus is considered endemic in all areas of the country and poses a major health threat to humans, horses and other animals. 
 
“Because it isn’t headline news anymore and because it’s been around for several years, many horse owners believe West Nile virus is no longer a threat to their horses,” says Tom Lenz, DVM, vice president of Professional Services at Fort Dodge Animal Health. “This is not true. More than 1,000 horses were diagnosed with the disease last year, with some states reporting more than 50 cases. It is still a serious equine health issue and all horses should be vaccinated.”



Guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) state proper vaccination of previously non-vaccinated horses involves administration of two doses of vaccine three to six weeks apart.  Revaccination is best completed in the spring, prior to the onset of mosquito season; however, veterinarians in some areas of the country recommend boostering more than once a year based on the geographic risk. Horse owners should contact their veterinarian as soon as possible to evaluate threat levels in their area and determine their horse’s current vaccination status, to ensure they will have maximum protection against the disease.

Horse Illustrated

Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.

View Comments

  • Thank you for the update! You are right to point out that this desease no longer has headline status, and one does tend to forget...

  • Thanks forst had great information. I just had my horse vaccinated and was not aware that she would need a follow up after the first dose.

Recent Posts

The Complete Guide to Parts of a Western Saddle — Plus a Quiz

Get to know the essential parts of a western saddle with this comprehensive guide. Plus, have some fun testing your…

4 hours ago

8 Horse Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Informed horse owners would never intentionally do something that could cause their horse to colic. Yet many owners unwittingly follow…

8 hours ago

The Beautiful Akhal-Teke

The Akhal-Teke horse—pronounced like “apple” with a K instead of the P’s, and “techie”—is one of the rarest horse breeds…

1 day ago

Barn Banter – Episode 25: Sponsored by Adequan

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 25, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…

3 days ago

A Horse Owner’s Most Difficult Decisions

Making difficult care decisions for a horse that has been closer to us than many family members can be traumatizing…

4 days ago

2024 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Preview

There’s only one place in North America where you can experience top international horse show competition combined with all the…

5 days ago