Don't be lulled to sleep by winter's absence of
mosquitoes-your horse still needs to be immunized against
West Nile virus. That's because it takes time for immunity
to build, and traditional mosquito season is right around
the corner, especially in warmer climates. In fact, some
winter-active mosquitoes have been found to transmit West
Nile.
"We expect this disease to be a problem every year, so go
ahead and vaccinate," says Bruce Lawhorn, an Extension
veterinarian at Texas A&M University. "Initially, horses
should be vaccinated twice, three to four weeks apart. Fort
Dodge, the company that makes the vaccine, says adequate
protection starts four weeks after the second
vaccination."
Lawhorn notes that until they're immune, exposure to
mosquitoes should be minimized. "So winter is the ideal time
to get solid immunity," he says. "A month before the
beginning of the traditional mosquito season in your area is
a good time to booster your horses."
Also, Lawhorn suggests you get rid of all the standing water
(in old tires, bird baths, etc.) that might supply breeding
areas for the insects. And use approved insecticides and
repellents for horses.
Mules, horses and donkeys in only a few states have escaped
this deadly disease. And as of late October, West Nile was
detected in dogs-four cases in Louisiana and one in Chicago.
However, scientists say the disease in dogs is very rare.
And there is no vaccine for dogs.