What are the signs of the West Nile virus in horses?

West nile virus is a disease that affects the central nervous system. Although the disease remained primarily in Africa, southern Europe and Asia, infection eventually began to appear in America after 1999 and quickly became a health problem in several areas. Although it is potentially dangerous in several animals, horses seem to be most affected. Generally spreads when a mosquito infected with a virus bites a horse. The most common symptoms of the Western Nile virus in horses are stumbles, weak muscles, fever, paralysis and seizures.

The symptoms of the West Nile virus in horses may never show or may slowly over time, and, as in many other diseases, the symptoms of the western Nile virus may vary in severity. Typical symptoms are weak limbs, stumbling, general clumsiness, fatigue and heartlessness. Other common symptoms are loss of appetite, inability or difficulty swallowing, walking in circles and hyperexictability. More serious signs in general include facial paralysis or paralysis of the backLimbs, inability to get up, a fever that can cause blindness, trembling, seizures and coma. If several of these symptoms occur together, it is recommended to find veterinary advice.

Many signs of West Nile in horses are also common in several other health problems such as botulism, rabies or other mosquito -related diseases. It is important to find the advice of a trained veterinarian to see if these symptoms are actually caused by West Nile. Although there is no official treatment for the virus, the veterinarian can help in deciding the best choice for horse health.

Usually, if there is a case of a western Nile virus in horses, it performs a supplementary treatment that helps reduce symptoms of both the horse owner and the veterinarian because the horse overcomes the disease. In most cases, the horse may not be sink. Some horses can even build antibodies against the virus, toThey are recovering and even become immune to other infections.

Since 2011, there are four different vaccines that can be used to prevent West Nile from horses. After the initial dose of vaccination, the annual additional booster is recommended. Although West Nile's vaccination and booster are enough for most horses, those who are under greater stress, such as races and horses, should have two annual vaccinations. The recommended time for this treatment is usually in April and July.