Nevada horse owners urged to update vaccinations before mosquito season

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is reminding horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus (WNV) as mosquito populations increase with the warm weather. This mosquito-borne disease can severely impact a horse's brain, spinal cord and nervous system. The disease is also a transmittable to humans.

"While clinical signs of WNV may not appear until late summer or fall, now is the time to vaccinate," advises NDA State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe, DVM. He recommends working with a veterinarian to develop an effective prevention plan that includes timely vaccinations and mosquito control measures.

"Simple steps like minimizing stagnant water around barns and homes, and using effective deterrents can significantly reduce mosquito populations," said Dr. Rolfe.

The NDA recommends eliminating mosquito-breeding sites including standing water, using insect repellents, and vaccinating horses against WNV and Equine Encephalitis.

"We actively monitor mosquito populations statewide for diseases like WNV," said NDA Animal Disease Laboratory Supervisor Laura Morrow. "The NDA Animal Disease Laboratory provides crucial data to public health agencies and protects Nevada's agricultural community."

Currently, WNV and Equine Encephalitis have not been detected in Nevada this year. WNV and Equine Encephalitis are reportable diseases in Nevada, meaning 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. Take action now to help protect your horses and public health.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

TheNevada 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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