Vaccinate Horses for West Nile Virus Now from Keith Mickler

By Keith Mickler, Floyd County Coordinator of Cooperative Extension

West Nile Virus is showing up early in Georgia this year.　 Dr. Nancy Hinkle with The University of Georgia's Department of Entomology has this to say about West Nile Virus and your horse's health. Horses are highly vulnerable to this disease, and over a third of horses that get West Nile die.　 There is no treatment.　 If your horse has not already been vaccinated this year, call your veterinarian now and make an appointment to get the West Nile (and Eastern Equine Encephalitis) vaccination.

A third of horses infected with West Nile Virus will die; a third of those that survive will be paralyzed or have to be euthanized.

There is no West Nile vaccine for humans, so disease prevention must rely on avoiding mosquitoes. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellent when outdoors.　

Encourage your neighbors to pour out any standing water in the community (mosquito larvae can complete their development in less than a cup of water in a tin can).　 Standing water that cannot be drained (ditches, for instance) can be treated with "mosquito dunks" or "mosquito donuts" (containing the non-toxic mosquito larva killer Bti).　 Cut back bushes and shrubs to increase air flow around the home and discourage mosquito flight.　

Keith Mickler is the County Coordinator and agriculture agent for The University of Georgia/Floyd County Cooperative Extension. Located at 12 East 4^{th Ave, Rome, GA 30161 (706) 295-6210. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.}