Q.
What is West Nile virus?
A. West Nile is a mosquito - borne virus that was first detected in the United States in 1999. The virus, which causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, has been found in Africa, Western Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean region of Europe, and, most recently, in the Eastern United States. Mosquitoes acquire the West Nile virus (WNV) from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals, and people. While humans and horses may be infected by the virus, there is no documentation that infected horses can spread the virus to uninfected horses or other animals. Migrating birds appear to play a role in spreading the disease.
Q. Are animals other than birds and horses affected by the virus?
A. Experimental tests suggest that sheep, chickens, and pigs could be affected by WNV. Two cases of illness caused by WNV were detected in sheep in the United States in 2002. In tests, the virus caused pregnant sheep to abort. Cows may show antibodies to the virus, which means they have contracted it without showing any clinical signs or becoming ill.
Q. What signs of illness do horses exhibit when infected with the virus?
A. NVSL positively identified WNV as the cause in horses showing signs of encephalitis. Clinical signs of the virus in horses included ataxia (stumbling or incoordination), weakness of limbs, partial paralysis, or death. A fever was not often observed.
Q. What precautions can be taken to protect animals from WNV?
A. Preventing animals exposure to mosquitoes is essential. The best way to do this is by removing any potential sources of water in which mosquitoes can breed. Dispose of any water - holding containers, including discarded tires. Drill holes in the bottom of containers that are left outside. Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis. Turn over wading pools or wheelbarrows when not in use, and do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not in use and be aware that mosquitoes can breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property; mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days. Thoroughly clean livestock - watering troughs on a monthly basis. Local mosquito - control authorities can help in assessing the mosquito - breeding risks associated with your property.
Duluth, Ga., January 8, 2004 - Merial, a world-leading animal health company, announced today the release of a new equine vaccine - RECOMBITEK® Equine West Nile Virus (WNV) vaccine. The recent USDA approval of RECOMBITEK Equine West Nile Virus vaccine offers veterinarians a first-of-its-kind product backed by cutting edge science to offer fast-acting and long-lasting protection from the often deadly West Nile Virus.
""The RECOMBITEK West Nile Virus vaccine uses recombinant DNA technology to stimulate a fast, multifaceted and long-lasting immune response proven by natural mosquito challenge of West Nile Virus,"" says Dr. Mike Murray, Merial Equine Technical Director for Strategic Development. ""The fast acting immune response was demonstrated in a controlled trial that showed horses were protected from viremia caused by West Nile Virus infection when challenged as early as two weeks after completion of the two-vaccination series.""
The benefits of recombinant vaccine technology include a fast, multifaceted (humoral and cell-mediated) immune response, targeted antigen presentation, and a level of safety inherent to this technology due to the fact that there is no possibility of live virus replication.
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