News Release 

March 31, 2003                                                Source: Laura Jane Murphy, Extension Agent, Ohio State University Extension, Lawrence County

Is Your Horse Vaccinated?

Horse owners need to vaccinate their horses for West Nile Virus, according to Laura Jane Murphy, Extension Agent, Ohio State University Extension, Lawrence County.

Over 600 horses were identified with West Nile Virus last year in Ohio. Even though summer is months away, now is the time for horses to be vaccinated. West Nile Virus is a viral disease that infects the horse’s brain and spinal cord and could result in impairment or death. Hundreds of horses died from West Nile Virus last summer.

“Horses need to be vaccinated twice, three to six weeks apart from the initial vaccination beginning in March. The second vaccination should be given by Mid-April,” says Murphy. Horses vaccinated last year need a yearly booster. Show horses, race horses and any other horses under intense training or stress should be given two boosters annually, one in April and another in late July. Horse owners can contact their veterinarian for the vaccine.

The threat of West Nile Virus is anticipated in all parts of Ohio this summer. West Nile Virus was confirmed in dead birds in all of the 88 counties in Ohio. In addition to vaccinating their horses, owners can take steps to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Horse owners should keep horses indoors during peak periods of mosquito activity which is early evening (dusk) and early morning (dawn). Lights should be kept off i the stable as this attracts mosquitoes to the area. Fans should be kept directed on horses to help deter mosquitoes. All birds, including chickens, should be kept away from the stable as these can serve as a host for the virus.

Mosquito control products, such as fog products, are available for the stable area. When choosing a pesticide, read the label and only use products labeled for the animal or for the area where it will be used. Always follow the label directions for amounts, mixture and application directions.

Horse owners need to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around the farm to reduce mosquito numbers. Mosquitoes breed in shallow water that stands for more than three days. This includes used tires, parked equipment, bird baths, buckets left outside, tarps, empty feed troughs, wheelbarrows and other places with stagnant water. Mud puddles and low spots in driveways and barn lots should be drained or filled with gravel or dirt to reduce mosquito breeding sites.