WEST NILE VIRUS CONFIRMED IN SASKATCHEWAN HORSE

A horse near Estevan has tested positive for West Nile Virus in a study being conducted by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the Saskatoon Health Region and Saskatchewan Health.

In the study, horses are being tested at random in areas of the province where birds with West Nile Virus have been found. So far, 50 horses from five different herds in the Estevan area have been tested. One horse tested positive.

Researchers hope the study will offer a better understanding of how widespread the disease may be in the horse population, which will help gauge the potential risk to humans.

"The horse is showing no signs of clinical illness," Provincial Veterinarian with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Dr. Robert Kerr said. "In many cases, horses exposed to the virus do not become ill. However, in horses that do become sick, mortality rates can approach 40 per cent."

A vaccine for horses is now registered for use in Canada. Kerr notes that it is important to realize that protective immunity does not develop until five to eight weeks following the first of two vaccinations. Horse owners should contact their local veterinarian regarding prevention and control of the disease.

Further information on West Nile Virus in horses is available on the Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's Web site at www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/livestock/disease. Public information is also available at Saskatchewan Health's Web site at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dr. Robert Kerr Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-5547