SPARKS, Nev. -
April 27, 2023The Nevada Department of
Agriculture (NDA) reminds horse owners in Nevada of the importance of
vaccinating against West Nile Virus (WNV). This mosquito-borne disease can
cause serious illness targeting a horse’s brain, spinal cord and nervous
system. The disease can also be
transmitted to humans from infected mosquitos.
The NDA monitors WNV and other diseases carried by
mosquitos throughout the state to ensure the protection of public health and
the agriculture industry.
“The NDA tests sample pools of mosquitos throughout
Nevada to monitor for diseases like WNV,” Laura Morrow, Animal Disease
Laboratory Supervisor, said. “The Animal Disease Laboratory surveys and tests
for these diseases and reports the results to local health departments and
vector control agencies.”
Taking
precautions such as using insect repellents, eliminating mosquito-breeding
sites including standing water, and keeping horses vaccinated against WNV and Equine
Encephalitis is strongly encouraged for all horse owners.
NDA Director J.J Goicoechea, DVM, encourages horse owners
to work with their veterinarian to develop effective management plan, which
should include vaccination of animals. Timely vaccination and decreasing
possible exposure to mosquitos is an effective way to prevent mosquito-borne
diseases.
“Eliminating unnecessary standing water around barns and
residences along with the use of deterrents can help keep mosquitos away from people
and animals,” said NDA Director Goicoechea.
WNV and Equine Encephalitis have been detected in Nevada, all of which can cause significant illness and death in both horses and humans. WNV
and Equine Encephalitis are reportable diseases in Nevada meaning that detections must be
reported to the NDA.
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada
Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and
promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees
providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal
Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and
Compliance. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and
administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries,
protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing
food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of
Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.
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