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6-28-2005

JOINT EFFORT ALLOWING IN-STATE WEST NILE VIRUS TESTING

Two state agencies are again combining forces to better track and combat the spread of West Nile Virus (WNV). The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources - Bureau for Public Health - Office of Laboratory Services (DHHR-BPH-OLS) are combining forces to collect and test samples within the state. Samples previously were shipped to a U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory in Iowa for analysis.

"This capability will greatly assist horse owners in keeping their animals healthy," said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass . "West Nile Virus is especially deadly to horses. Anything we can do to help lower the mortality rate is an important step."

"The Office of Laboratory Services has the capability to run samples for West Nile Virus, which will speed up the process and help us to have a better grasp of the extent of the disease," said WVDA State Veterinarian Joe Starcher.

The WVDA will work with veterinarians around the state to gather samples from horses that show symptoms of the disease, alongside ongoing efforts to test birds that may have died from the disease. WVDA will also assist with the epidemiological aspects of the surveillance program by tracking locations of sampled horses and any horses that test positive for the disease.

Dr. Starcher urged horse owners to vaccinate against WNV and the equally dangerous Eastern Equine Encephalitis (triple-E).

"On average, these diseases are fatal to half of the horses that contract them, but they are preventable. There are two WNV vaccines out this year, so shortages should not be a problem. There is also a new post-infection treatment available this year for horses that become infected, and the triple-E vaccine has been available for quite some time now," said Dr. Starcher.

Although humans can contract the disease, they can only contract it through the bite of infected mosquitoes, not from horses or birds.

Standing water is necessary for mosquitoes to reproduce. Eliminating it is the easiest way for people to avoid contracting the disease. Old tires should be recycled, birdbaths should be cleaned at least once a week, and perpetually wet ground should be filled or drained. Long sleeves and pants are helpful when mosquito contact is unavoidable. Mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are effective and should be used according to the manufacturer's directions.

Horse owners suspecting WNV should contact their local veterinarian to arrange testing. People finding dead birds with no obvious cause of death should contact their local health department.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

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