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A Word About West Nile Virus
West Nile (WNV) has recently emerged in North America as a threat to both public and animal health. WNV can cause an inflammation of the brain termed West Nile encephalitis, which was first identified in humans in the United States in 1999. The nation’s first documented case of a domestic canine death attributed to the West Nile Virus was confirmed at the University of Illinois in 2002.
Transmission of West Nile Virus
Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile Virus to humans and animals while biting to feed on them. Although ticks infected with WNV have been found in Asia and Africa, their role in the transmission and maintenance of the virus is uncertain. There is no information to suggest that ticks played any role in the cases identified in the United States.
West Nile Virus and your pet
The incidence of West Nile Virus in humans has grown exponentially from 1999 when it was first a major concern of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Although the reported incidence of WNV in domestic animals is much lower than in humans, it is still a good idea to use a reliable insecticide to eliminate mosquitoes, since mosquitoes also transmit heartworm disease, which affects thousands of pets each year.
Protect your pet from West Nile Virus
Try to keep your pet indoors at dawn, dusk and the early evening. Look for flea and tick products that contain ingredients such a permethrin that repel mosquitoes.
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