West Nile Encephalitis in Horses

mosquitoes to feed on horses.
Avoid turning on lights inside the stable during the evening and overnight. Mosquitoes are attracted to incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent lights neither attract nor repel mosquitoes.
Place incandescent bulbs about 50 yards from the stable to attract mosquitoes away from the horses. Black lights are of little value as attractants for mosquitoes.
Prohibit pigeons and other birds from roosting and living in or near the stables.
Periodically examine the property for dead birds particularly crows blue jays and raptors hawks and owls. Report any suspicious deaths to the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1877PAHEALTH. Handle dead birds only if wearing protective gloves and place birds in tied plastic bags.
Carefully examine your property and eliminate locations that could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Shallow stagnant or standing water used tires clogged roof gutters and manure storage pits are ideal places for mosquitoes to breed.
Clean water troughs once a week and pay attention to puddles that form around and under the troughs. Consider using stone or landscaping to reduce or eliminate hoof prints where mosquitoes might breed.

Topical preparations containing mosquito repellents are available for horses. Read the label before using the product and follow all instructions.

Stable premises can be fogged in the evening to reduce the number of mosquitoes.
Do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths wading pools wheelbarrows ornamental pools water gardens and swimming pools and their covers.
Summary
Research continues to provide more information about West Nile encephalitis. Horse owners should stay informed of current information concerning this disease especially if it is detected in their area. For more information on the most current recommendations regarding prevention and treatment consult reliable sources such as your veterinarian and Web sites such as the ones noted in this fact sheet.
The West Nile virus represents a real health threat to horses because they
appear more susceptible to the disease than other livestock or companion animals. Vaccines are generally effective in preventing West Nile encephalitis when administered properly according to your veterinarians recommendations and used in conjunction with preventative management practices. West Nile virus will be a threat to horses as long as a virus reservoir remains in the bird population as is the case with Eastern Western and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.
Although many West Nile virus infections in horses last only a short time and result in no illness or mild signs with a complete recovery the disease can be deadly. Thus horse owners should take precautions to minimize exposure to mosquitoes and should monitor their animals for encephalitic signs. They should quickly contact their veterinarian to examine and test any horse that is showing any signs suggestive of this disease.