HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.11.22 For Immediate Release
From:Almaguer, Lisa
To:BOS; Cox, Erin; McSpadden, Elaine; Nicholas, Jodi; Putnam, Jodi; Soderstrom, Monica; Star, Nanette
Cc:York, Danette
Subject:For Immediate Release:
Date:Wednesday, May 11, 2022 8:15:45 AM
The following press release will be issued shortly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2022
Horses at Risk for West Nile Virus
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – As West Nile Virus (WNV) season approaches, Butte County Public Health (BCPH)
urges horse owners to vaccinate horses for WNV, a mosquito borne illness transmitted to animals and
people through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2021, 13 California horses were confirmed
positive for West Nile Virus. Of these horses, two died or were euthanized due to the severity of
their illness.
The most effective way to prevent WNV in horses is by vaccination. Annual WNV vaccination is
recommended for horses, ideally, prior to mosquito season. WNV season runs June through October in
Butte County. Several vaccines are available for horses. Check with your local veterinarian to discuss the
best option for your horse.
Horses are at higher risk for WNV because they spend most of their time outdoors, including dusk and
dawn, when mosquitos capable of transmitting WNV are most active. WNV carrying mosquitoes breed in
standing water, including ponds, water troughs and irrigation run-off, increasing the risk of WNV for horses
and humans.
“Vaccination is a safe, inexpensive, and very effective way to prevent WNV, a disease that results in death
or euthanasia in one-third of affected horses,” stated Dr. Linda Lewis, Veterinarian and Epidemiologist at
Butte County Public Health.
WNV may cause a wide range of symptoms for horses, including those that mimic other serious
neurological illness such as rabies and equine herpes virus, toxins, and other conditions causing brain
dysfunction. Consult a veterinarian if your horse exhibits any of the following symptoms:
Stumbling or lack of coordination
Drooping lips, lip smacking or teeth grinding
General weakness, muscle twitching and/or tremors
Sensitivity to touch or sound
Fever
Difficulty rising or inability to rise
Convulsions or coma
In addition to vaccination, horse owners can take steps to prevent WNV in their horses by reducing
mosquitoes on their property, including: draining standing water, scheduling pasture irrigation, cleaning
containers that hold water every week and stocking water tanks and ponds with mosquito fish. Reduce
exposing horses to mosquitoes by applying mosquito repellent during dusk and dawn and by circulating air
in barns by using fans.
For more information about West Nile Virus, visit:
Butte County Public Health, WNV page: www.buttewnv.com
Butte County Mosquito & Vector Control District: www.buttemosquito.com
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Lisa Almaguer
Communications Manager / PIO
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
202 Mira Loma Drive | Oroville, CA 95965
T: 530.552.4000 |
“Nationally Accredited, 09/13/17”
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