Horses at Risk as West Nile Virus Plagues Arizona; Virus Detected in 13 of 15 Counties.DULUTH, Ga. -- As West Nile Virus West Nile virus, microorganism and the infection resulting from it, which typically produces no symptoms or a flulike condition. The virus is a flavivirus and is related to a number of viruses that cause encephalitis. (WNV WNV West Nile Virus WNV World Net Visions ) spreads throughout Arizona, concern grows over the impact of this potentially lethal virus on the state's 170,000-plus equine population. As of Aug. 18, the Arizona Department of Health Services Department of Health Services may refer to:
"Peak infection rates occur in August and September. Since West Nile Virus transmission is often rapid and unpredictable, Arizona horse owners should prepare for what could be an escalating problem," said Stephanie Thompson, DVM DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. DVM abbr. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. , veterinary services manager for Merial. "The mortality rate for infected horses remains around 30 percent. With those odds, horse owners should take immediate action and have their veterinarians vaccinate vac·ci·nate v. To inoculate with a vaccine in order to produce immunity to an infectious disease such as diphtheria or typhus. vac their horses now against WNV. Prompt vaccination will ensure horses develop immunity as fast as possible." This year, the virus first appeared in Maricopa county and has gradually spread statewide. As of Aug. 18, 290 people, 59 birds, 149 mosquito pools and 61 horses(1) have tested positive in 13 of 15 counties(2), indicating significant virus transmission. A new vaccine getting the attention of veterinarians is RECOMBITEK(R) Equine West Nile Virus vaccine from Merial, a world leading animal health company. The vaccine results in fast protection just 26 days after the first dose. Full immunity has been demonstrated just two weeks after the initial two-dose series.(3) Label directions call for two initial doses four to six weeks apart, followed by an annual booster dose booster dose see booster dose. . "This rapid immune response immune response n. An integrated bodily response to an antigen, especially one mediated by lymphocytes and involving recognition of antigens by specific antibodies or previously sensitized lymphocytes. is key to protecting horses quickly and completely in the face of a WNV outbreak in Arizona," said Dr. Thompson. "Horse owners should consult with their veterinarians to keep vaccinations current and ensure their horses are properly protected at all times." According to an administrative order issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services in July, neglected or abandoned swimming pools and unoccupied private properties continue to provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread WNV. The order called for emergency control measures to eliminate these sources of standing water, even without property owner consent.(4) Horses infected with WNV may suffer from muscle weakness, tremors, fever, depression, loss of appetite loss of appetite Medtalk Anorexia, see there , paralysis and even death. The virus can also affect people, however most cases only involve mild flu-like symptoms, and less than one percent result in hospitalization.(5) Merial is a world leading innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 6,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2003 sales were in excess of $1.8 billion. Merial is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and Aventis, S.A. For more information, please see www.merial.com. (1) "Office of Infectious Disease Services: Arizona West Nile Virus Update." Arizona Department of Health Services Web site. Available at: http://www.westnileaz.com/wnv_update.htm. Accessed Aug. 18, 2004. (2) "Map of Arbovirus arbovirus Any of a large group of viruses that develop in arthropods (chiefly mosquitoes and ticks). The name derives from “arthropod-borne virus.” The spheroidal virus particle is encased in a fatty membrane and contains RNA; it causes no apparent harm to the Surveillance Indicators, Arizona 2004." Arizona Department of Health Services Web site. Available at: http://www.westnileaz.com/pdf/state.pdf. Accessed Aug. 18, 2004. (3) Minke JM, et al. Recombinant canarypox virus vaccine carrying the prM/E genes of West Nile virus protects horses against a West Nile virus-mosquito challenge. Archives of Virology virology, study of viruses and their role in disease. Many viruses, such as animal RNA viruses and viruses that infect bacteria, or bacteriophages, have become useful laboratory tools in genetic studies and in work on the cellular metabolic control of gene expression 2004 (Supp.); 18:221-230. (4) "Administrative Order 2004-01: Emergency measures for West Nile virus." Arizona Department of Health Services Web site. Available at: http://www.hs.state.az.us/phs/oids/westnile/pdf/mosquito_admin.pdf. Accessed Aug. 18, 2004. (5) "Office of Infectious Disease Services: West Nile Virus - Questions and Answers." Arizona Department of Health Services Web site. Available at: http://www.westnileaz.com/wnv_qa.htm. Accessed Aug. 18, 2004. (R)RECOMBITEK is a registered trademark of Merial Limited. (C)2004 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. |
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