(C) Idaho Capital Sun
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Treasure Valley owners should take these steps to protect horses from West Nile virus, other diseases [1]
['Mia Maldonado', 'More From Author', '- April']
Date: 2023-04
The Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District announced in a press release Tuesday steps Treasure Valley horse owners can take to protect their animals from mosquitos and the diseases they carry.
Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District director Jim Lunders said West Nile virus is present each year across southwest Idaho, and horses are particularly susceptible to the virus since they have no protection from mosquito bites other than what is provided by owners.
“A horse in a stall or pasture can’t go inside or put on insect repellant when bothered by mosquitos,” Lunders said in the press release. “Horse owners have a responsibility to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites and properly vaccinate them against West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis and other diseases.”
Idaho State Veterinarian Scott Leibsle said vaccinating horses against the West Nile virus is an essential preventative measure that animal owners should take.
“Nearly 98% of horses that test positive for West Nile virus are non-vaccinated or under vaccinated,” Leibsle said. “Horse owners should speak with their veterinarian about the West Nile virus vaccination and other annual core vaccinations as well as how to follow an annual booster schedule.”
Leibsle said a one-time vaccination is not enough, and horses that have been vaccinated for the virus in previous years should still receive an annual booster.
To be properly protected from West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis virus, the abatement district recommends that an unvaccinated horse receive its first dose of the vaccine by April 30.
Lunders said that in addition to vaccination, horse owners should try to reduce mosquito production in the area immediately around their animals. With the upcoming warmer temperatures, Lunders said it is common for mosquito larva to be found in water troughs or stock tanks.
“It is unfortunate, but many horses are sickened by mosquitoes likely raised in their own pens,” Lunders said. “All stock tanks should be stocked with mosquitofish or treated with BTI or Methoprene if they cannot be drained and cleaned weekly.”
Tips to reduce risk of disease from mosquitoes
Vaccinate horses for West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis virus and other diseases.
virus Use EPA registered residual insect sprays on horses and follow directions on container.
Have livestock watering troughs stocked with mosquitofish. Submit a service request to the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District to have this done for free.
Wear repellants while outdoors. Mosquitos are most active around dusk and dawn.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
Use repellents containing DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, picaridin or 2-undecanone.
Ensure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
Eliminate and treat all sources of standing water that can be a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes such as flooded fields, birdbaths, wading and swimming pools not in use, clogged gutters and old tires. If it holds water for seven days, it can produce mosquitoes.
For information about mosquitos and the diseases they carry, visit the Idaho Department of Welfare, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control or the Prevention and the American Mosquito Control Association.
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