Published Sunday, September 29, 2002
'neigh'-sayers
By Larissa Theodore
Herald Staff Writer
Equine veterinarian Dr. Suzanne Wilcox said she's stunned by the number of people that don't know horses can be affected by West Nile virus.
"It just amazes me ... In the last few years every trade magazine has had an article on it. But there's a lot of people with a 'not in my backyard' attitude," said Dr. Wilcox, of Diamond Ridge Equine in Hubbard.
As of last week there were only 10 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in horses in Pennsylvania, she said. In Ohio there were 203 positive cases, with two confirmed by the state vet in Trumbull County, according to Dr. Wilcox, who works in both states.
Mosquitoes get West Nile virus, which can be fatal, from infected birds and pass it on to other birds, people and animals, including horses. There is no evidence that horses can transmit the virus to other horses, birds or people. And, unlike human cases, there is a vaccine available through licensed veterinarians for horses to help beat the virus.
Diane Amsdell, owner of Cross Creek Stables in South Pymatuning Township, said tests Friday showed the 20 horses stabled there were virus-free. Her vet had come by earlier to give boosters to several horses.
"I don't know too much about the West Nile virus," she said. "But I do know that mosquitoes are dying off this time of year and there aren't any cases in Mercer County."
Her newest horse, a tough 5-year-old Friesian stallion, was vaccinated before it was purchased, she said. The horse appeared healthy as it galloped around the indoor arena.
"He's perfect. He's from the toughest breed registry in the world," Ms. Amsdell said as she watched the horse closely.
Dr. Wilcox said she can't stress enough the importance of vaccinating horses against the West Nile virus. She said in the United States, 96 percent of the horses that have died from the virus were not vaccinated. The other 4 percent had incomplete vaccination history.
For West Nile vaccinations, horses have to receive a complete series of shots, not just one.
"You need to do the whole entire series. You need to get the boosters and keep up with them," she said. "The first shot will not affect the horse."
Dr. Wilcox said horse owners should also keep accurate vaccination records, not only for West Nile virus but for other yearly vaccinations that can help in the event of an emergency.
She said some afflictions start out with the same signs as West Nile virus, making it more difficult to detect the root of the problem.
"They all start out looking the same. That's why it's really hard for us to figure out what's going on at first because it looks like so many other things. If you vaccinate you can rule out the other possibilities. We can say, 'It's probably not this.' "
No horses in Mercer County have been reported as having the virus. However, in neighboring Lawrence County, at least two horses were diagnosed in September with the virus.
Dr. Wilcox said anything with blood running through its veins can contract the virus. However, only humans, horses and birds can get the deadly form.
"Cows, chipmunks, dogs, they may have a day or two where they don't feel so good, but their immune systems take care of it. Viruses only act on certain species. For example, horses and elephants don't get AIDS, but humans and monkeys do," Dr. Wilcox said.
She said one misconception people have is that animals can transmit the virus to humans. However, the fact is mosquitoes only can transmit the virus.
"My horse can't give it to you and you can't give it to my horse," Dr. Wilcox said.
Horses that become clinically ill could show signs because the virus infects the central nervous system, causing symptoms of encephalitis -- a combination of depression and loss of appetite, fever, impaired vision, aimless wandering, walking in circles, convulsions or seizures, inability to swallow, hyperexcitability, coma, weakness and paralysis of hind limbs and head pressing.
Keeping a clean and mosquito-free stable environment for horses could offer a stronger stance against West Nile virus, she said.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore at ltheodore@sharonherald.com