Time for a new post....West Nile Virus

OK, I know I'm waaaaaay overdue for a post on this blog. Time just flies by!
Well I did want to inform you that there has been the first West Nile Virus equine death in California for 2009. The horse lived in Tracy, California. The last few years we have mainly been seeing equine cases in August and September. It is a reminder to all of us to make sure our horses are up to date on their West Nile vaccinations. We have a great newer vaccine that is based on DNA technology. It has a very low incidence of reactions and it is only needed once a year. Due to the timing of this virus in the mosquito population and therefore risk to horses, I recommend vaccinating around May to early July. Call us if you are not certain of when your horse was last vaccinated. 760-634-2144

"West Nile Virus Claims First Equine Death of 2009 in California
California has recorded its first horse death for 2009 due to West Nile Virus (WNV). The horse death was reported near Tracy, in San Joaquin County, on August 6.
Typically, the majority of horse deaths from WNV occur in August and September. In 2008, 64 animal deaths from WNV were reported by veterinarians in California. All California counties are at risk for WNV, and nearly every county has identified a positive equine, human, avian or mosquito case in 2009.
As the best-qualified experts, veterinarians should educate horse owners about WNV and the steps that can be taken to prevent it, including encouraging owners to vaccinate their horses against WNV." From the CVMA newsletter.