Animal was not vaccinated, veterinarians said
Morgan Hill – A sick old horse from Morgan Hill that doctors euthanized was infected with West Nile Virus, becoming the county’s first-reported equine case this year.
Veterinarians who treated the animal last month say it had not received vaccinations that could have saved its life.
“It’s not like we can give them antibiotics and make it all better. But if horses are vaccinated, they have a much better chance of surviving,” said Dr. William Seals, owner of Tri-County Veterinary Hospital in Gilroy.
The horse was euthanized Sept. 26 after its neurological system had been crippled by the virus, preventing the animal from standing on its hind legs.
Dr. Abigail Carrillo said the animal was alert and “looking around” when she examined it, but his head was drooping and attempts to get him on his feet were unsuccessful. Carrillo said the horse’s owner agreed to “put it to sleep.”
Blood samples sent to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab at UC Davis later confirmed West Nile Virus, and the incident was reported to local vector control officials.
“We don’t like to hear that that happens. I am happy to say it is the only horse case so far (in the county this year). Most people have taken the initiative to vaccinate their horses, but for the people who haven’t, it’s a wake up call to get shots.” said Kriss Costa, spokeswoman for Santa Clara County Vector Control.
Widespread vaccination of horses has led to a sharp drop in the number of West Nile Virus cases reported in California. Last year, state officials recorded 456 horse cases. This year’s number is 52.
“We’ve been vaccinating horses for four years now,” said Dr. William Seals, who owns Tri-County Veterinary Hospital. Fortunately, that’s why we haven’t had too many problems. The vaccination works pretty efficiently, more than 80 or 90 percent of the time.”
State officials recommend giving horses shots three times a year to protect against West Nile Virus.
Seals said each shot costs $20 to $30.
“The vaccine works. People need to be up do date with their vaccination schedules,” Seals said.
Five human cases have been reported this year in Santa Clara County, with no fatalities among them. Additionally, 203 dead birds carrying the virus have been found – the highest number of any county in California this year.
Costa said there is no predictable end to the Bay Area’s mosquito season. Mosquitos don’t know “calendars,” but “weather,” she said.
Tony Burchyns is a staff writer for South Valley Newspapers. He can be reached at (408) 779-4106 or at [email protected].
