This year`s first horses infected with West Nile Virus (WNV) have been reported in Plumas, Sonoma and Kern counties, California. This means that these cases were confirmed about a month earlier than the first cases of 2004, when the state`s 540 positives accounted for about 40 percent of all U.S. reports.
The mortality rate last year was high: About 42 percent of clinically affected horses died or was euthanized, and California is expected to be the epicenter for WNV again in 2005, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is urging horse owners to consult veterinarians to ensure each horse is current on WNV vaccinations.
Theiler´s disease in a Trakehner caused by contaminated tetanus vaccine
An 11â€yearâ€old Trakehner gelding was presented for evaluation of lethargy, decreased appetite, mild icterus, and elevated hepatic enzyme activities. Physical examination, serum chemistry results, and liver biopsy histopathologic findings were supportive of Theiler`s disease. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing results of serum and liver tissue were positive for nonprimate (equine) hepacivirus (NPHV) and a novel equine parvovirusâ€hepatitis virus (EqPVâ€H). A serious and finally fatal problem, caused by contaminated vaccine.
