The West Nile virus has most likely arrived in San Benito
County, according to the County Public Health Division and local
veterinarians, and, aside from birds, horses and humans are most
prone to contracting it.
The West Nile virus has most likely arrived in San Benito County, according to the County Public Health Division and local veterinarians, and, aside from birds, horses and humans are most prone to contracting it.
“I don’t see how we can avoid it,” Public Health Division Nurse Susan Silveira said.
Three birds in San Benito County were collected weeks ago, and the test results came back negative on July 21, but at the rate the virus is spreading, veterinarian Charlie Tobias said there’s a strong chance the disease is already in the county.
“The bird that tested positive in Santa Clara County was found June 28, and it takes a few weeks to get the test results back, so we can assume if they’ve got it, so do we,” he said.
The bird Tobias is talking about, tested positive for the virus July 21, and within 24 hours, the virus had already spread to Butte, Kings, Mendocino, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, Tehama and Tulare counties.
WNV poses a threat to humans, causing mild to moderate symptoms like fever, headache and body aches, but isn’t life threatening. Less than one percent of those infected will develop serious neurological illnesses, according to the County Public Health Division.
“The risk of serious illness in humans is low,” Dr. Liz Falade said in a statement. “Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness.” It is however, dangerous for horses.
“We’ve known about this virus since 1999, so we’ve been very pro-active in vaccinating the horses,” Tobias said. “If someone hasn’t had their horses vaccinated, they should contact their vet immediately.”
The WNV vaccine is a series of two shots, followed by a yearly booster shot, but since the disease is in the area, Tobias recommends owners get boosters every six months instead.
Hollister resident Wendy Brown has been breeding horses in the area for 25 years, and said vaccines, along with good management is important in keeping horses safe from the virus.
“I do what I can to keep my horses protected,” she said. “It’s really important to keep them vaccinated and I make sure to clean out the troughs with bleach once a week.”
Owners can also protect their horses by putting Mosquito Dunks in their water troughs, Tobias said. The ingredients in the dunk keeps mosquitoes from breeding in it, and it’s also safe for birds and fish. Dunks can be found in local hardware stores for under $10.
To report dead birds for testing call 1-877-WNV-BIRD, and for more information about the virus, log onto: www.westnile.ca.gov.
Christine Tognetti can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 330 or at [email protected].
