Number Of Animals Afflicted With West Nile Still Uncertain

Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, chicken, chipmunks, squirrels, skunks and more than 110 species of birds have been affected - even zoo animals

October 7, 2002
By PATRICIA A. WEST-VOLLAND

ZANESVILLE -- West Nile virus has killed 146 people and infected 2736 others according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"West Nile virus activity has been reported from coast to coast and will continue to expand into new areas," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC director, in a press release.

While statistics are kept on humans there is no current data available for the number of animals, dead or infected by the virus.

Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, chicken, chipmunks, squirrels, skunks and more than 110 species of birds have all become infected with West Nile and many have died. Even animals living in zoos have been affected.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture's Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is currently testing a dog that is suspected of dying with the virus. An 8-year-old Irish setter-golden retriever mix was the first dog confirmed dead with West Nile in Illinois recently.

"No conclusive results are available right now. The department is doing a series of tests and the results will be made public next week," said Melanie Wilt, public information officer for the ODA.

Older dogs, puppies and dogs with weak immune systems are the most at risk of contracting the deadly disease. Signs of infection include; head bobbing, progressive weakening and depression.

Horses are more vulnerable than humans to the disease. Ohio has more than 300 confirmed cases in horses with about 50 percent dying, Wilt said. After ODA confirms the diagnosis, the results are sent to the United States Department of Agriculture in Iowa and the Ohio Department of Health. The results are then sent to the CDC so statistics can be compiled.

"The prognosis is not as good when they go down but some get up and recover," said Dr. Bill Saville, DVM, epidemiologist and internal medicine for large animals at Ohio State Veterinarian Hospital in Columbus. "There is no reason to destroy a horse just because it has WNV. Supportive treatment consists of IV fluids and anti-inflammatory medication."

Nationwide more than 5,000 horses have become infected with the virus. The ODA is not actively looking at animals other than horses, even though sheep, goats and llamas have also been infected.

"At this time, there are no known cases in Muskingum County (in any animals)," said Dr. Ken Martin Jr. DVM, at Muskingum Valley Veterinary Services. "There is a vaccine for horses consisting of two shots and an annual booster, but we don't know how effective it is yet. It's the best we have right now."

Horses can have several different symptoms including; stumbling, lack of coordination, slobber, sensitive to the touch, can go down and not be able to get back up, muscle tremors in the muzzle and neck area.

"We (ODA) recommend that if you want to protect your horse, you give it the vaccine," Wilt said.

Ohio's mosquito season begins in late April and continues until a good hard frost, Martin said. The best way to keep your animals safe is to eliminate mosquito breeding areas.

"What's causing the problem this year is the stagnant water," Martin said. "There were running streams but with the lack of rain they've become standing pools."

"Horses should have their vaccines or boosters by mid-April so it will be effective all summer," Saville said. "There are many other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes that are just as deadly to animals."

To help protecting dogs and cats, a flea spray will help keep mosquitoes off of animals. Do not use an insect repellent meant for humans on animals. Severe reactions or death can result. Keep pets inside at dawn and dusk. Eliminate all standing water and change water in birdbaths every few days.

Keep horses indoors during dawn and dusk also. Avoid turning on lights in the stable during the evening or overnight. Mosquito repellents are available for horses, but consult a veterinarian for the proper repellent. A running fan in the stables will help deter mosquitoes.

As with all repellents and spray make sure to read the labels carefully and consult a veterinarian before using any product on your animals.

The Muskingum County Health Department is no longer accepting dead birds.

"It's such a new disease here, that I don't think they understand it completely yet," Martin said.

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