Precautions urged against West Nile virus
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Updated: September 30, 2009 2:34 PM
Following the discovery of a horse infected with the West Nile virus in Aldergrove and another infected horse in the South Okanagan, provincial health officials are urging people to take preventative measures to protect themselves and their horses.
Dr. Paul Kitching, chief veterinarian and branch director at the Animal Health Centre, said in a release West Nile’s arrival in B.C. was expected, but action still needs to be taken.
“Of all large land mammals, horses are particularly susceptible. There are West Nile virus vaccines for horses, and horse owners should talk to their vets about getting their animals immunized,” he said.
In addition to getting their animals vaccinated against the disease, horse owners are urged to practice mosquito control to limit this risk, especially by draining pools of standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, director of the Vector-Borne Disease Program at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, said in a release there is no vaccine available for humans at this time, so people should do what they can to avoid mosquito bites.
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