Guest guest Posted May 13, 2004 Report Share Posted May 13, 2004 Hey Butch -thanks for the info - I'm in the middle of trying to determine if I will vaccinate for WNV for my horses again this year.....there was so much controversy about it last year (deformed foals ect) and now Fort Dodge has been cited by the FDA for sloppy precautions ect....that again... I don't know....and then of course its the monopoly thing too.......not to mention how MANY people I know whose horses actually GOT THE DISEASE after getting the shots! ........mmmmmmmmm Blessings, Pam E Web Express - Web Design & Hosting http://www.ewebexpress.com TLC Naturally - Essential Oils & Home Made Goodies http://www.tlcnaturally.com - Butch Owen Thursday, May 13, 2004 7:23 PM OT: West Nile and Animals West Nile and Animals http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2004/west.nile/interactive/gallery.wnv.animals/frame\ set.exclude.html The West Nile virus poses a concern to people, but what about pets and wild animals? Birds Since 1999, the West Nile virus has infected more than 100 species of birds in the United States, according to the CDC. The CDC advises using gloves or a plastic bag to avoid touching a dead bird directly and suggests contacting local and state health departments for more information on reporting and disposing of dead birds. Dogs In 2003, the CDC received fewer than 40 reports of West Nile virus infection in dogs in the United States. Dogs show no symptoms from infection in experiments. According to the CDC, no evidence indicates that dogs can transmit the virus to humans. No treatment for infection exists and most dogs recover fully. The CDC says no vaccine exists and discourages the use of repellents containing DEET for pets because of the risk of possible ingestion. Ask your veterinarian for a safe alternative to these products. Limiting the amount of time dogs spend outdoors and keeping them away from dead animals, which may have been infected, reduces risk. Cats In 2003, the CDC received one report of West Nile virus infection in a cat in the United States. Infected cats usually display mild symptoms, which owners may not easily recognize. Some cats experience a slight fever or lethargy during the first week of infection. According to the CDC, no evidence indicates that cats can transmit the virus to humans. No treatment for infection exists and most cats recover fully. The CDC says no vaccine exists and discourages the use of repellents containing DEET for pets because of the risk of possible ingestion. Keeping cats indoors cuts down on the risk of infection. Horses In horses, West Nile multiplies in the bloodstream, affects the central nervous system, and inflames the brain. The symptoms, similar to those displayed by horses infected with Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), can include fatigue and an unusual, widened stance (left). Infection can cause death, but most horses recover. Infected horses should receive veterinary treatment. According to the CDC, no evidence indicates that animals can transmit the virus to humans or to other animals. Putting up screens in stables and eliminating standing water areas where mosquitoes breed reduces risk. Horses can now be vaccinated against West Nile but the effectiveness of the new vaccine remains unknown. Squirrels In 2003, the CDC received reports of West Nile virus infection in 19 squirrels. According to the CDC, being near an infected or dead squirrel does not pose a risk for humans. However, an infected squirrel suggests the presence of infected mosquitoes in the area. Wild game/meat No evidence supports the possibility of West Nile transmission from eating infected meat. Handling meat with clean hands and utensils and using a meat thermometer to ensure that meat cooks thoroughly greatly reduces the risk of infection. CDC reports insufficient evidence to indicate whether transmission is possible when consuming dried or uncooked meat. The CDC cautions hunters to wear gloves when handling and cleaning animals. They should also wear protective clothing and insect repellent to protect against bites. Step By Step Instructions On Making Rose Petal Preserves: http://www.av-at.com/stuff/rosejam.html To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following link: /join Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2004 Report Share Posted May 14, 2004 West Nile and Animals http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2004/west.nile/interactive/gallery.wnv.animals/frame\ set.exclude.html The West Nile virus poses a concern to people, but what about pets and wild animals? Birds Since 1999, the West Nile virus has infected more than 100 species of birds in the United States, according to the CDC. The CDC advises using gloves or a plastic bag to avoid touching a dead bird directly and suggests contacting local and state health departments for more information on reporting and disposing of dead birds. Dogs In 2003, the CDC received fewer than 40 reports of West Nile virus infection in dogs in the United States. Dogs show no symptoms from infection in experiments. According to the CDC, no evidence indicates that dogs can transmit the virus to humans. No treatment for infection exists and most dogs recover fully. The CDC says no vaccine exists and discourages the use of repellents containing DEET for pets because of the risk of possible ingestion. Ask your veterinarian for a safe alternative to these products. Limiting the amount of time dogs spend outdoors and keeping them away from dead animals, which may have been infected, reduces risk. Cats In 2003, the CDC received one report of West Nile virus infection in a cat in the United States. Infected cats usually display mild symptoms, which owners may not easily recognize. Some cats experience a slight fever or lethargy during the first week of infection. According to the CDC, no evidence indicates that cats can transmit the virus to humans. No treatment for infection exists and most cats recover fully. The CDC says no vaccine exists and discourages the use of repellents containing DEET for pets because of the risk of possible ingestion. Keeping cats indoors cuts down on the risk of infection. Horses In horses, West Nile multiplies in the bloodstream, affects the central nervous system, and inflames the brain. The symptoms, similar to those displayed by horses infected with Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), can include fatigue and an unusual, widened stance (left). Infection can cause death, but most horses recover. Infected horses should receive veterinary treatment. According to the CDC, no evidence indicates that animals can transmit the virus to humans or to other animals. Putting up screens in stables and eliminating standing water areas where mosquitoes breed reduces risk. Horses can now be vaccinated against West Nile but the effectiveness of the new vaccine remains unknown. Squirrels In 2003, the CDC received reports of West Nile virus infection in 19 squirrels. According to the CDC, being near an infected or dead squirrel does not pose a risk for humans. However, an infected squirrel suggests the presence of infected mosquitoes in the area. Wild game/meat No evidence supports the possibility of West Nile transmission from eating infected meat. Handling meat with clean hands and utensils and using a meat thermometer to ensure that meat cooks thoroughly greatly reduces the risk of infection. CDC reports insufficient evidence to indicate whether transmission is possible when consuming dried or uncooked meat. The CDC cautions hunters to wear gloves when handling and cleaning animals. They should also wear protective clothing and insect repellent to protect against bites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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