Since first being recognized in the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has posed a serious threat to horses and humans alike.   In the equine population, the virus is transmitted when a mosquito takes a blood meal from a bird infected with WNV, then feeds on a horse.  While many horses exposed to WNV experience no signs of illness, the virus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.  In some cases, especially in older horses, WNV can be fatal.
            As a horse owner, prevention is the key to reducing your horse’s risk of contracting WNV.  Follow these guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to protect your horse against WNV:

• Consider vaccinating your horse against the disease.  In February 2003, a vaccine was licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics for use in healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of the disease.  Talk with your veterinarian about the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your horse.
• Eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.  Dispose of old receptacles, tires and containers and eliminate areas of standing water.
• Thoroughly clean livestock watering troughs at least monthly.
• Use larvicides to control mosquito populations when it is not possible to eliminate particular breeding sites.  Such action should only be taken, however, in consultation with your local mosquito control authority.
• Keep your horse indoors during the peak mosquito activity periods of dusk to dawn.
• Screen stalls if possible or at least install fans over your horse to help deter mosquitoes.
• Avoid turning on lights inside the stable during the evening or overnight.
• Using insect repellants on your horse that are designed to repel mosquitoes can help reduce the chance of being bitten.
• Remove any birds, including chickens, located in or close to a stable.
• Don’t forget to protect yourself as well.  When outdoors in the evening, wear clothing that covers your skin and apply plenty of mosquito repellent.

           For more information about the virus, ask your equine veterinarian for the “West Nile Virus” brochure, produced by the AAEP in conjunction with Bayer Animal Health, an AAEP Educational Partner.  Additional information about WNV can be found on the AAEP’s horse-health Web site, www.myHorseMatters.com.

*Printed with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Because of advances in nutrition, management and health care, horses are living longer, more useful lives. It’s not uncommon to find horses and ponies living well into their 20s and 30s.  While genetics play a role in determining life span, you too, can have an impact.
You may think that turning your old-timer out to pasture is the kindest form of retirement. But horses are individuals.  Some enjoy being idle; others prefer to be a part of the action.  Whatever you do, don’t ignore the horse.  Proper nutrition, care and exercise will help the animal thrive. Follow these guidelines to develop a total management plan for your older horse:

1. Observe your horse on a regular basis.  Watch for changes in body condition, behavior and attitude. Address problems, even seemingly minor ones, right away.
2. Feed a high quality diet.  Avoid dusty and moldy feeds.
3. Feed your older horse away from younger, more aggressive ones so it won’t have to compete for feed.
4. Feed at more frequent intervals so as not to upset the digestive system. Two-three times daily is best.
5. Provide plenty of fresh, clean, tepid water.  Excessively cold water reduces consumption which can lead to colic and other problems.
6. Adjust and balance rations to maintain proper body conditions.  A good rule of thumb is to be able to feel the ribs but not see them.
7. Provide adequate, appropriate exercise to maintain muscle tone, flexibility and mobility.
8. Groom your horse frequently to promote circulation and skin health.
9. Be aware that older horses are prone to tumors.  Look for any unusual lumps or growths from head to tail as well as beneath the tail (especially on gray horses).
10. Schedule routine checkups with your equine veterinarian.  Call immediately if you suspect a problem.

A quick response to ailments, injuries or a decline in fitness can keep your older horse from having a serious or prolonged setback.  That means less worry for you and a better quality of life for your old friend.  For more information about caring for the older horse, ask your equine veterinarian for the “Older Horse” brochure, provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners in partnership with Educational Partners Bayer Animal Health and Purina Mills, Inc.  Visit the AAEP’s horse health web site, www.myHorseMatters.com, for additional information about caring for the older horse.

*Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal disease that threatens the world’s horse, donkey and mule populations.  The virus that causes EIA reproduces in the white blood cells that circulate throughout the body.  The immune system, via antibodies, may attack and destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia.  Infected horses may die from the direct effects of the virus or from secondary infections.  Despite testing and measures to eradicate the equine infectious anemia virus, EIAV, more than 500 new cases are identified each year in the U.S.
            There is no cure for EIA.  Although most horses show no symptoms, they remain contagious for life, endangering the health of other horses.  For this reason, the United States Department of Agriculture and state animal health regulatory agencies require euthanasia or strict lifelong quarantine for horses testing positive for EIA.
            Your horse’s only protection against EIA is prevention.  Good management practices can reduce the potential of infection.  The following guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will help:

• Use disposable needles and syringes, one per horse, when administering vaccines and medications.

• Sterilize dental tools and other instruments before using them on another horse.

• Test all horses for EIA at least annually.

• Test horses at the time of purchase examination.

• Stable owners, horse show and event managers should require and verify current negative Coggins certificates for all horses entering the premises.

• New horses should be quarantined for 45 days and observed for any signs of illness, including elevated temperatures, before introducing them to the herd.  They should be retested if exposure to EIA is suspected at a 45-day interval.

• All stable areas should be kept clean, dry and waste-free.  Good pasture management techniques should also be practiced.  Remove manure and provide adequate drainage to discourage breeding sites for pests.

• Horses at greater risk, such as those in frequent contact with outside horses or who live or travel in geographic regions known for EIA outbreaks, should be tested more frequently, every 4 – 6 months.

    For more information about EIA, ask your equine veterinarian for “Equine Infectious Anemia: The Only Protection if Prevention,” a brochure provided by the AAEP in conjunction with Educational Partner Bayer Animal Health.  Additional information can be found on the AAEP’s horse health Web site, www.myHorseMatters.com.

*Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.