|
|
|
Animal Information
Q. What animals can contract West Nile Virus?
A.Currently the list of West Nile positive animals found in the United States since 1999 includes: Alpaca, Horse, Big and Little Brown Bat, Cat, Dog, Grey and Fox Squirrel, Llama, Alligator, Wolf, Sheep, Eastern Chipmunk, Rocky Mountain Goat, Striped Skunk, Reindeer, Domestic Rabbit and Harbor Seal. West Nile has also been identified in over 100 species of birds.
West Nile virus affects each animal differently, some may exhibit non-specific illness and recover easily, others neurologic disease with a high rate of fatality and still others no symptoms at all.
The best protection for pets and livestock against the virus is preventing bites from mosquitoes. Limit an animal’s time outside, especially during dawn and dusk.
Note:A serosurvey was conducted in the Slidell area in the summer of 2002.
Results of this survey may provide additional information on the types of animals infected as well as a good description of the extent of local infection. Results from this CDC-sponsored study will be made available later this year.
|
|
Print
Email