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West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Outbreaks of WNV have occurred in Egypt, Asia, Israel, Africa, and some parts of Europe and Australia. The virus was first found in the U.S. in the fall of 1999 in New York City and has since spread nationwide.
Most horses bitten by carrier mosquitoes do not develop disease. Of those that do, approximately one-third develop severe disease and die or are so affected that euthanasia is required. The incubation period - or the time between the bite of an infected mosquito and when clinical signs appear ranges from three to 14 days. Although most horses do not usually develop clinical signs of WNV infection, horses that do become ill vary in symptoms from mild signs to serious and near death. Typical signs include muscle trembling; skin twitching; ataxia (incoordination, stumbling, limb weakness) that either appears suddenly or appears gradually and worsens; sleepiness; dullness; listlessness; facial paralysis (droopy eyelids, lower lip); difficulty with urination and defecation; and an inability to rise. Some horses may develop mild fevers, blindness, seizures, and other signs. WNV may cross the placenta from mother to gestating foal. Horses can not spread the disease to humans, but humans are susceptible to the disease if bitten by a carrier mosquito. No transfusion related horse illnesses have been reported. However, human to human transmission via blood transfusions has been confirmed, so this method of transmission is possible in horses.
What else can I help you with?
Do horses get West Nile Virus?
Yes. Mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus and can infect horses when bitten. Other than horses, most animals that get the virus have mild, if any, symptoms. It is a serious illness in birds, horses, and some people.
Is there a west Nile virus vaccine?
for horses, yes for people, no
Can horses contract the West Nile Virus?
I'm not exactly sure what you're question is. If you are asking whether or not horses can contract the West Nile virus, the answer is yes! This virus is frequently spread through mosquitoes. It is very important that you get your horse vaccinated against the virus.
What family classification does the West Nile Virus fall under?
The family classifciation that the West Nile Virus falls under is Flaviviridae. This is a mosquito born virus that has been wide-spread amongst humans and horses.
How can you Die from West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones. However, on rare occasions, West Nile virus infection can result in severe and sometimes fatal illnesses. There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.
Does the West Nile Disease have DNA or RNA?
West Nile virus contains strands of RNA.
Why is there a vaccine for west nile virus for horses but not for humans?
thats a good question. i wanna know the answer too.
Can you save a horses life with west nile virus?
You cannot use the virus to save it's life, but you can save the horse from West Nile by having him vaccinated against it.
Who discovered the West Nile Virus?
Woman in Ugandawest nile virus
What are Sings of west Nile virus with horses?
On Howrse the answer is : All of these (fever, inability to swallow and paralysis of hind legs).
Is west nile a DNA or RNA virus?
West Nile virus is a virus with a single stranded RNA genome (ssRNA)
Is west nile a viral or bacterial illness?
West Nile is caused by West Nile Virus.
