What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne virus, was detected for the first time in the United States in August 1999. When a mosquito bites a bird carrying the West Nile virus, the mosquito then becomes infected. This infected mosquito can then feeds on horses thereby infecting them with WNV. The virus can cause encephalitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Early signs may include one or more of the following: weakness (hind end, front end, or both, characterized by falling to their knees or difficulty in remaining standing), ataxia (in coordination), muscle twitching or tremors, altered mental state (somnolent or aggressive, circling, or stall-walking), hypersensitivity to touch or sound, cataplexy or narcolepsy, seizures, blindness, cranial nerve deficits (facial paralysis, tongue weakness, difficulty swallowing), recumbence, and fever. West Nile virus in horses becomes dangerous once the virus infects the brain. This can lead to brain inflammation and thereafter interfere with the normal function of the animal’s central nervous system. Once the horse’s central nervous system is seriously affected, possible death can ensue.
How do you treat the West Nile Virus?
Consult your veterinarian immediately. Treatment is vital for any horse with WNV. Nursing care and treatment is important to the recovery process. Each animal is assessed according to its age and health.Weakened and impaired animals shouldbe protected from injuring themselves. Fluid and nutritional supportive therapy also may be required, either by intravenous methods or by stomach tube. Although there are many vaccines available there is no specific "medicine" for a horse once he develops WNV, although there are some promising advances being made in that area. Your veterinarian will be able to provide supportive therapy that can save your horse’s life if he does develop WNV.
How do you prevent the West Nile Virus?
Vaccines are generally effective and recommended to prevent West Nile encephalitis. Horse owners should consult their veterinarians regarding its use. The vaccine shots are no value if they aren't given prior to exposure to the disease. If the horse develops WNV it is too late for the shot.
The vaccines require two doses, administered three to six weeks apart, and full protection doesn't develop until four to six weeks after the second dose.
Sometimes a third does is recommended. Boosters are recommended, but recommendations vary and depend upon mosquito infestation where you live so consult your vet.
It can take from 7 to 12 weeks for the horse to develop maximum resistance to infection.
The vaccines require two doses, administered three to six weeks apart, and full protection doesn't develop until four to six weeks after the second dose.
Sometimes a third does is recommended. Boosters are recommended, but recommendations vary and depend upon mosquito infestation where you live so consult your vet.
It can take from 7 to 12 weeks for the horse to develop maximum resistance to infection.
West Nile Innovator
West Nile Virus Vaccine Killed Virus for the vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of viremia caused by West Nile Virus. Efficacy was demonstrated in horses that received two doses of the vaccine and were challenged one year post-vaccination with West Nile Virus. The vaccine protected 95% of the vaccinates against infection, while 82% of the controls were viremic.
Dosage: Inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique. Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 6 weeks after the first dose. Revaccinate annually with one 1 mL dose.
Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.
Dosage: Inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique. Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 6 weeks after the first dose. Revaccinate annually with one 1 mL dose.
Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.
West Nile Innovator + EWT
For vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of viremia caused by West Nile virus, and as an aid in the prevention of equine encephalomyelitis due to Eastern and Western viruses, and tetanus. Efficacy of the West Nile fraction was demonstrated in horses that received two doses of the vaccine and were challenged one year post-vaccination with West Nile Virus. The vaccine protected 95% of the vaccinates against infection, while 82% of the controls were viremic.
Dosage: Horses, inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique.Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A 1 mL booster dose should be given annually. Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.
Dosage: Horses, inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique.Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A 1 mL booster dose should be given annually. Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.
West Nile Innovator + VEWT
For vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of viremia caused by West Nile virus, and as an aid in the prevention of equine encephalomyelitis due to Eastern, Western and Venezuelan viruses, and tetanus.
DOSE: Horses, inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique. Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A 1 mL booster dose should be given annually. Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.
DOSE: Horses, inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique. Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A 1 mL booster dose should be given annually. Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.
Recombitek West Nile Vaccine
Equine West Nile Virus contains a lyophilized recombinant canarypox vectored West Nile Virus vaccine plus a sterile liquid diluent. A canarypox vector has been modified using recombinant technology to express the desired antigens capable of stimulating a protective immune response to West Nile Virus. After inoculation, the vector does not multiply in the horse, but does express the protective proteins. As a consequence, these components induce an immune status against West Nile Virus. Safety and immunogenicity of this vaccine have been demonstrated by vaccination and challenge tests in susceptible horses.
RECOMBITEK (WNV) is recommended for the vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of viremia due to West Nile Virus infection.
Dosage: Reconstitute the lyophilized vaccine with accompanying liquid diluents and aseptically inject a 1 ml dose by intramuscular route. For primary vaccination, revaccinate with a second 1 ml dose of this product 4 to 6 weeks later. Annual revaccination with a single dose is recommended.
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