West Nile Virus
October, 2002
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is spread from an infected mosquito to people, birds, and horses. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito rarely show symptoms. The young, old and immune deficient people are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill or the disease can even be fatal to some.

Many horses infected with West Nile do not develop any illness, but of the horses that become ill about one-third die or need to be euthanized. Other livestock and poultry do not commonly show any illness if infected with West Nile.

Controlling mosquito population is one key to prevention of West Nile virus. Ways to prevent mosquito breeding are:
  • Remove all man-made stagnant water areas
  • Drill holes in the bottom of containers left outdoors
  • Clean clogged rain gutters every 3 months during rainy seasons
  • Turn over any small plastic pools and wheelbarrows when not in use so that water cannot collect
  • Clean livestock troughs monthly
  • Proper circulation of air in barns
  • Screened barns and homes
  • Apply insect repellent to humans and livestock as necessary
Fort Dodge has developed a West Nile Vaccine for horses only. An initial vaccine is given followed by a booster 3 - 6 weeks later. After that the vaccine is given annually.
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