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March 11, 2004 West Nile Predictions Hopeful, Vaccinations Necessary Nonetheless Although the number of West Nile cases affecting horses was down last year and experts predict another quiet year, owners should not be lulled into a false sense of security, advises Charlie Stoltenow, North Dakota State University Extension Service veterinarian. Out of 762 tested cases of West Nile, 583 returned positive in 2002. 2003 was a different story, with only 40 horses out of 129 testing positive, according to Neil Dyer, head of the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The number one reason for the decrease in 2003 was most likely an increase in the number of vaccinations administered, according to Stoltenow. “Just because the number of cases were down doesn’t mean that West Nile is going away. It is endemic to the state, and it is important to keep vaccinating,” he says. Throughout the past two years, a team of scientists have been investigating the extent to which vaccinations help prevent losses from West Nile. The team consists of Stoltenow; Dyer; Larry Schuler, state veterinarian; and Margaret Khaitsa, NDSU assistant professor. In 2003, Schuler’s office surveyed North Dakota horse owners who reported at least one case of West Nile in 2002. The survey asked for information regarding clinical symptoms, vaccination times, doses and outcomes. After the data was complied and analyzed, results indicated that a horse that receives no vaccination is 16 times more likely to die from West Nile than a horse that is properly vaccinated and boostered at appropriate times. The first dose should be given five weeks before the expected onset of mosquito season and the second dose three weeks later. An additional two weeks are needed for the animal’s immune system to reach the highest level of protection. Stoltenow points out that horse owners are beginning to have more vaccination options, as new vaccines enter the market. For more information, contact Stoltenow at (701) 231-7522 or attend the NDSU Horse Fair, scheduled for March 27-28 at the NDSU Equine Center. Stoltenow will present on West Nile, in conjunction with a number of other demonstrations and workshops. For further details about the fair, contact Clare Purdy, NDSU Equine Club advisor, at (701) 231-6565. ### Sources:
Charlie Stoltenow, (701) 231-7522, cstolten@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
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North Dakota State University |
