Horse owners urged to vaccinate animals against West Nile

Monday, July 26, 2004 | 9:31 a.m.

A state veterinarian is urging Las Vegas horse owners to vaccinate their animals against the West Nile virus.

"Horse, mule and donkey owners in Nevada, border to border, need to vaccinate their animals as soon as possible," state veterinarian David Thain said. "It's not an option anymore."

Horse owners in Southern Nevada are acutely aware of the threat the virus poses.

"We haven't had any cases of the virus here," said Terri Weiss of Willow Pines Equestrian Centre, a 5-acre ranch that boards and trains 32 horses.

"We require it (the vaccine) for anybody moving in," Weiss said.

Weiss said that the training and boarding center began requiring the vaccine a year ago for any horses arriving at the ranch in the northwest Las Vegas Valley.

"And, of course, we remove any stagnant water," she said.

Las Vegas horse enthusiast Ed Dodril said local horse owners have been aware of the threat of West Nile virus "for awhile." Dodril has had his four horses vaccinated.

It costs $139.95 for 10 doses of the West Nile virus vaccine for horses through Fort Dod, according to the veterinary medicine manufacturer's Web site. Each horse has to receive an initial dose, then a follow-up shot in three weeks. Horses also need annual booster shots.

A stallion in Fallon, about 60 miles east of Reno, had to be destroyed after veterinarians confirmed the animal had West Nile virus, the Nevada Department of Agriculture said last week.

Two cases of West Nile virus in people, one in Southern Nevada and one at the northern end of the state, were also reported last week.

As more tests were processed, mosquitoes and dead birds in Lyon, White Pine and Mineral counties were confirmed to be carrying the virus.

People can avoid West Nile virus by practicing prevention, state health officer Dr. Bradford Lee said. Those outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, need to wear insect repellent containing DEET, wear pants, long-sleeve shirts and socks, he said.

Other preventive measures include checking window and door screens and removing standing water around homes, he said.

To report ill or dead birds -- especially crows, ravens and mockingbirds -- in Clark County, call 383-1261.