Veterinary Researcher Notes Surge in Missouri West Nile Cases

COLUMBIA, MO - 9/15/2006 - Last month, the number of West Nile virus cases in horses for the year thus far exceeded the number recorded in Missouri for the entire season last year, according to Dr. Gayle Johnson, of the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine. In the last month, more than 50 percent of the horses tested were positive for the virus, and scientistsare reporting a high percentage of birds that are testing positive for virus.

"While the disease has been in the state for a several years, everyone needs to maintain vigilance in order to prevent infection of mammalian hosts," Dr. Johnson said. "If people suspect that their horse may have contracted the disease, they should contact their local veterinarian immediately. In addition, people should try to avoid stagnant water, repair damaged window screens, and wear mosquito repellant, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes capable of spreading West Nile virus are more active."

According to MU veterinarians, humans, birds and horses are most susceptible. While they can be infected by West Nile virus, dogs, cats and other small pets rarely become ill. The virus is spread through mosquito bites. A small percentage of mosquitoes carry the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, only 1 susceptible person in about 150 bitten by an infected mosquito will develop severe illness.

"We strongly encourage horse owners to consider immunizing or boosting their animals to prevent this potentially devastating disease," Johnson says. "More information on immunizations or boosters are available through any local veterinarian."

As of Sept. 12, 1,634 human cases had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 2006. West Nile cases normally peak in mid-September.