West Nile Virus
The future looks rosy for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses that follow it to the New World. That’s because the future is going to be warm and wet. Carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases are raising the average temperature in the United States - Carl Zimmer, A Planet of Viruses
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image by: HWN
HWN Suggests
West Nile Virus Update
West Nile Virus hasn’t gone away. It will always be with us. There won’t be any huge outbreaks like there were when the virus first appeared in the late 1990’s, because the virus has mutated somewhat, and there is a large pool of immune horses, both from vaccines and natural exposure.
However, it’s still very important to get your horse vaccinated against West Nile Virus at least once a year, and perhaps more if your horse travels to mosquito-laden areas of the United States (for example, for horse shows). West Nile Virus is not the big deal that it once was, but you sure don’t want your horse to get it. Make sure your horse is vaccinated – it’s pretty cheap insurance.
Articles of Interest
West Nile virus outbreaks linked to ‘super-spreader’ birds
Like any new immigrant, the deadly West Nile virus became American almost immediately after landing on our shores — altering itself to fit in and then infecting a popular backyard bird to secure a firm foothold in its new home.
