News Release 7-24-2002 |
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WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED; HORSE VACCINE AVAILABLE The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) has announced that a single case of West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in a dead Eastern Blue Bird in Jackson County. Although the disease can be contracted by humans, it is only considered to be a threat to the young, old and other persons with weak immune systems. However, the disease can be particularly damaging to horses, sometimes resulting in death, according to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA). “Given that West Nile Virus has already been detected in every state surrounding West Virginia, I knew it was only a matter of time until it appeared in the Mountain State,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “However, I'm a little surprised it surfaced in Jackson County. I anticipated finding it in the eastern part of the state first. I urge our farmers and citizens to do everything they can to control mosquitoes, which transmit this disease between birds and other animals.” Experts recommend eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, especially around houses and barns. State Veterinarian Lewis Thomas added that a vaccine is available for horses. “Last year, Commissioner Douglass approved a conditional license for the West Nile vaccine,” said Thomas. “The veterinarians around the state think this vaccine is effective and they're grateful that the Commissioner approved its use. Few treatments are effective once a horse contracts the virus, so owners should strongly consider asking their local veterinarian about vaccination.” For more information about WNV, visit the WVDHHR's WNV site (http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/oehp/sdc/westnile.htm).
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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