State Animal Health Officials Urge Animal Owners to be Aware of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis

BOSTON – With mosquito season in full swing, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) is reminding animal owners that West Nile virus (WNv) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEv) have been found in mosquitoes in Massachusetts and offering advice for protecting animals from contracting these viruses.

“Prevention is the best solution,” said DAR Commissioner Scott Soares. “Fortunately, there is a vaccine available that will protect animals that are particularly vulnerable to these viruses.”

WNv and EEEv pose a serious risk to some species, such as horses, ratites (e.g. ostrich, emu) and pheasants. Since 2001, 55 horses have been infected with WNv and 23 with EEEv. One alpaca, one emu, and one llama have also been infected since 2001. Last year, one horse in Freetown was infected with EEEv. Mosquitoes collected July 16 in the same town tested positive for EEEv.

Animals infected by EEEv and WNv develop neurologic symptoms that can lead to death. There is no treatment for either infection, although supportive care can be provided. DAR encourages animal owners to consult with their veterinarian regarding appropriate vaccinations against WNv and EEEv. It is important to take preventive actions before mosquitoes become most prevalent.

“Every year there is a potential for virus activity and keeping current on vaccinations is one way to keep your animals healthy,” said DAR’s Director of Animal Health Mike Cahill.

Horses cannot spread either WNv or EEEv to other animals or humans, but when animals such as emus are infected with EEEv they often develop hemorrhagic bleeding and can spread the virus to humans or other animals that come into contact with their blood.

In addition to vaccination, animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools. Horse troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitat and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near the paddock area. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Using fans in stable areas may reduce the ability of mosquitoes to land and feed on horses.

If an animal is diagnosed with WNv or EEEv, it should be reported to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795.

The State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (the Board) within the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources oversees mosquito control in Massachusetts. There are nine mosquito control districts in the state that provide service to 153 cities and towns.

For more information call 617-626-1777, or visit, http://www.mass.gov/agr/mosquito/.

Contact information for each mosquito control district can be found at www.mass.gov/agr/mosquito/districts.htm.

The DAR’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability of local agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop and Pest Services, and Technical Assistance – the DAR strives to support, regulate, and enhance the Commonwealth’s agricultural community, working to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production.