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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 25, 2003
| Contact: |
Dr. Diana Yu, Thurston County Health Officer, 360-786-5581 X-16951# |
|
Dr. Bob Gilpin, Thurston County Veterinarian Coordinator,
360-943-1566 |
|
Darrell Cochran, Senior Environmental Health Specialist,
360-786-5455 |
Horse
Owners Urged To Obtain West Nile Virus Inoculations
OLYMPIA – The owners of horses in Thurston
County are being advised that they should consider having their animals
inoculated against West Nile Virus before the warmer spring weather arrives.
The virus, which is spread by infected mosquitoes from birds to horses
and humans, has been moving steadily west since it hit the east coast of the
United States in 1999. Last fall some infected birds and two infected horses were
discovered in Western Washington and it is expected that the virus will have
an impact again this summer and fall. While
there is no inoculation for humans, veterinarians can apply a series of shots
to horses that provide some protection.
Thurston County Health Officer Doctor Diana Yu
says, “The risk of infection for humans from West Nile Virus is actually
very low. Unfortunately, it is a
bit higher for horses and that is one reason we’re advising folks to take
this precaution. You can work
with your veterinarian to decide if your horses need to be vaccinated.”
A network of health professionals is monitoring
the progress of West Nile Virus in the Thurston County area.
Part of that program includes looking for birds that may have died from
the illness. In this area that
primarily means the Blue Jay, Stellar’s Jay, crows and ravens.
County residents who find a recently deceased bird, with no obvious
signs of injury, should contact the Thurston County Health Department at
786-5455.
People can take some precautions to avoid
contracting West Nile Virus. Steps
include-
§
Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants while outside.
§
Avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present.
§
Using a “DEET” based insect repellent, according to the
package instructions, when contact with mosquitoes is unavoidable.
§
Limiting outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are
more active.
§
Repairing and using window and door screens.
Homeowners can also take
steps to reduce mosquito habitat around the home through activities such as
cleaning standing water out of their rain gutters, removing used tires or open
containers outside where water collects in them and cleaning out bird baths
once a week.
Those who want more
information on West Nile Virus can visit these websites-
§
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services: http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/westnilevirus.html
§
Washington State Department of Health:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/WNV.html
§
Centers for Disease Control:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/
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