June 01, 2005 11:15 AM - CDFA
Press Release
FIRST CONFIRMED EQUINE CASE OF
WEST NILE VIRUS FOR 2005 - Earlier start of season compared to
2004
SACRAMENTO - The first positive
equine case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in California in 2005 has
been reported in Plumas County. The horse, which is recovering,
is a 3-year-old quarter horse mare. The case was confirmed about
a month earlier than the first case of 2004.
WNV is a mosquito-borne virus
that was first detected in the United States in 1999 in the New
York City area. It may cause a wide range of clinical illnesses
from mild, "flu-like" symptoms to encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain) that may be fatal to both humans and
horses. While horses are susceptible to WNV, many horses
infected with the disease will not develop any illness and will
recover uneventfully. Currently, there is no specific treatment
for WNV.
California became the focus for
West Nile Virus in 2004 with 540 confirmed clinical equine
cases. Over 40 percent of clinically affected horses died or
were euthanized. In 2004, WNV was detected in all California
counties.
The Centers for Disease Control
has predicted that California will again be the epicenter for
WNV in 2005.
Signs of West Nile Virus in
horses include stumbling, staggering, loss of coordination,
muscle twitching, circling, and inability to stand. Birds serve
as the primary reservoir for harboring the disease. Mosquitoes
transmit the disease to humans and horses after feeding on
infected birds.
Once infected, horses do not
spread the disease to other humans or horses.
The California Department of Food
and Agriculture is urging horse owners to consult their
veterinarian to ensure each horse is current on West Nile
Virus vaccinations. It is also
important to practice mosquito control methods to aid in
reducing mosquito-breeding sites.
For more information on West Nile
Virus in horses, call the Equine West Nile information line
1-800-268-7378 or email WNVirus@cdfa.ca.gov
or visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/wnv_info.htm.
Contact: CDFA Public Affairs at
916/654-0462
For additional information on the California Department of Food
and Agriculture please visit our website at www.cdfa.ca.gov
