Horses Should Be Vaccinated Against the West Nile Virus, Tricky Symptoms to Look Out For (Video)

The West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne virus with potentially fatal health consequences, could be a growing concern particularly for horses in Iowa.

According to Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, via Wowt.com, horse owners need to protect their animals from the West Nile virus by making sure they are properly vaccinated and their vaccinations are up to date.

"As we enter mosquito season it is important for horse owners to vaccinate their animals so that they are protected from West Nile virus," Northey said, via the news organization. "I encourage owners to talk to their veterinarian about vaccination and make sure all their animals' vaccinations are up-to-date."

Up-to-date vaccinations entail a first year of two vaccinations to protect the horse from the virus with annual boosters following after.

The news organization notes that in 2012, the state had over 36 confirmed cases of the West Nile virus in horses. For most cases, no animals had any vaccinations, and in a few of the cases, they had only had their first dose of the vaccine. Only one confirmed case was reported in a horse from 2011.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the virus has been in the United States since 1999, and is primarily a disease seen in birds. However, it can also infect horses, dogs, humans and several other animal species. When transmitted to humans, it is most commonly from mosquitoes.

People can reduce their risk of infection for WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness. However, most animals and humans who become infected will show no symptoms.

Yet, horses may develop a brain infection upon infection of the virus, with symptoms including lethargy, weakness, incoordination, staggering and possible death.

Think your horse might have the West Nile virus? Check out this video, courtesy of thehorse.com