Prevent West Nile Virus in horses before mosquito season

 The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) reminds horse owners 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 which can cause significant illness and death in both horses and humans.

“The NDA conducts testing on mosquito populations across the state to track mosquito-borne illnesses such as WNV,” said NDA Animal Disease Laboratory Manager Laura Morrow. “The NDA Animal Disease Laboratory provides reports to local health agencies to ensure protection of public health and works with Nevada producers to ensure the protection of the agriculture industry.”

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 State Veterinarian Peter Mundschenk, DVM, encourages horse owners to work with their veterinarian to develop an 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.

“Minimize stagnant water around barns and homes, coupled with employing effective deterrents can help keep mosquitos away from both people and animals,” said Dr. Mundschenk.

WNV and Equine Encephalitis have not been detected in Nevada this year. WNV and Equine Encephalitis are reportable diseases in Nevada meaning that detections must be reported to the NDA. Suspected or confirmed cases of WNV should be reported to the NDA Animal Disease Lab at 775-353-3709 or diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov.

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.