What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that was first detected in the United States in 1999.

The virus, which causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, has been found in Africa, Western Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean region of Europe, and recently is spreading across the United States. Mosquitoes acquire the West Nile virus from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals, and people. While humans and horses may be infected by the virus, there is no documentation that infected horses or humans can spread the virus to uninfected horses or other animals. Migrating birds may play a role in spreading the disease.

Symptoms:

Clinical signs of the virus in horses included listlessness, stumbling and incoordination, weakness of limbs, depression or apprehension, muscle twitching, partial paralysis, or death. A fever was not usually observed (these symptoms may also indicate other diseases: i.e., rabies, etc).

Prevention:

A Vaccination is widely available and no longer requires administration by a vet.

Preventing animals exposure to mosquitoes is essential. The best way to do this is by removing any potential sources of water in which mosquitoes can breed. Dispose of any water-holding containers, including discarded tires. Drill holes in the bottom of containers that are left outside. Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis. Turn over plastic wading pools or wheelbarrows when not in use, and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not in use and be aware that mosquitoes can breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property; mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days. Thoroughly clean livestock-watering troughs regularly. Local mosquito-control authorities may help in assessing the mosquito breeding risks associated with your property.

Birds can also be protected by limiting their exposure to mosquitoes. In areas reporting large numbers of bird deaths, investigations are conducted and samples collected to determine the cause of the deaths. People finding dead birds should notify local health officials.

Tips: Fight the West Nile Virus: OK, mosquitoes… prepare to be repelled! 

Use Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets… best thing ever used in Louisiana… just wipe on & go… great for babies.

Bob, a fisherman, takes one vitamin B-1 tablet a day April through October. He said it works. He was right. The odor the tablet gives out through your skin (YOU can not smell it) repels mosquitoes, black flies, noseeums and gnats. It does not work on stinging insects. He hasn’t had a mosquito bite in 33 years. Try it. Every one he has talked into trying it says it works on them. Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride 100 mg).

Ken said NPR reports that if you eat bananas, the mosquitoes like you… something about the banana oil as your body processes it. (Maybe they need the potassium too – lol)

Stop eating bananas for the summer and the mosquitoes will be much less interested.

This is going to floor you, but one of the best insect repellents someone found (who is in the woods every day) is Vick’s Vaporub.

Plant marigolds around the yard. The flowers give off a smell that bugs do not like, so plant some in that garden also to help ward off bugs without using insecticides.

“Tough guy” Marines who spend a great deal of time “camping out” say that the very best mosquito repellent you can use is Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed about half and half with alcohol.

Mix your own repellent: 20 drops Eucalyptus oil, 20 drops Cedar wood oil, 10 drops Tea Tree oil, 10 drops Geranium oil, 2 oz. carrier oil (such as Jojoba). Mix together in a 4 oz. container. Apply to skin as needed avoiding the eye area. Keep out of reach of children. Test on a small area of skin for sensitivities. Experiment with different percentages of essential oil.

One of the best natural insect repellents that I’ve discovered is made from the clear real vanilla (not the grocery store vanilla extract which is mostly alcohol). This is the pure vanilla that is sold in Mexico. It’s cheap there if you know of someone that lives there or in the US close to the border. If not, health food stores usually carry it or can order it for you. I use it half vanilla and half water and find that it works great for mosquitoes and ticks, don’t know about other insects.

Horses do not have to be euthanized:

Because horses are incidental hosts, it is highly unlikely that mosquitoes feeding on an infected horse could ingest enough of the virus to transmit it to other animals. Horses are humanely euthanized only when the viral infection is so severe they will not be able to recover.

Quarantine is not necessary:

Since infected horses do not appear to be carriers for the disease, it is unlikely a quarantine would be necessary.

Horse Mortality:

These statistics while dated are a guide to the mortality rate among Horses. This year, 2012 we have more cases and we also have a vaccination that was not available in 1999 and 2000
In 1999 and 2000, a total of 85 horses had clinical signs of a West Nile virus infection. Of those, 32, or 38 percent, died or were euthanized, and the others recovered. This does not rule out the possibility that other horses may have been infected with the virus. It is likely that many horses recover from infection without clinical illness.

Dogs and Cats:

It is unlikely that dogs and cats will show signs of clinical illness, although any mammal or bird could potentially be exposed to the virus through mosquito bites. A survey of blood samples from dogs and cats in the New York City epidemic area showed a low infection rate.

The Bottom Line:

If you suspect you or your animals may be infected, seek medical/veterinarian treatment immediately.