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Washington urges vaccinating horses against West Nile virus

The Columbian
Published: May 6, 2014, 5:00pm

OLYMPIA — With mosquito season on its way, the state Department of Agriculture has advised horse owners to vaccinate their animals against the West Nile virus.

“This is the time for an initial series of vaccines if your animals have never been vaccinated, or for an annual booster injection,” said acting State Veterinarian Paul Kohrs. “It can take up to four weeks for immunity to be fully protective.”

The disease, potentially fatal to horses, is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. While the virus can sicken people, horses, birds and other animals, it does not spread from horses to people or other animals.

Two cases of West Nile virus were confirmed last year in eastern Washington. The number has been much higher in previous years, however, with 72 cases reported in 2009.

For more information, visit the state’s West Nile virus Web page at agr.wa.gov/foodanimal/animalhealth/diseases/westnilevirus.

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