New Mexico horse tests positive
for West Nile

By Jim Tiffin
Staff writer

FORT DEFIANCE — A New Mexico horse, east of Fort Defiance, has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the first in the state this year. There have been no human cases detected yet this year, state health department officials said Friday.

Navajo Nation veterinarian, Steve Bender, DVM, reached at a conference in Flagstaff, Ariz., said the horse is the third one lost by the family, the causes for the deaths of the first two are unknown.

“The family did not call us until the third horse went down,” he said. Navajo Nation Veterinarian Dr. Kelly Upshaw was the one who actually treated the horse, but she was unavailable because of being in meetings at the same conference as Bender.

The horse, which was part of a free roaming group of horses on a ranch, went down and could not get up, Bender said.
The horse was euthanized on the spot because it was in pain, he said. “It was better for the horse.”

Blood was drawn Monday when veterinarians could reach it, the test results came back Wednesday. The Nation and the health department made the announcements Friday.
Bender said West Nile virus in a horse is an indicator used by veterinarians that the disease is present and could affect humans.

“Generally, a horse gets it, then humans get it,” he said. “But not always.”

Symptoms in humans

He said veterinarians will notify local hospital emergency rooms when horses get the virus so doctors can be aware that the virus is now present in an area

General West Nile symptoms are fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. In rare cases, the virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis in humans. If someone has these symptoms, they should see their health care provider.
People who have compromised immune systems, such as respiratory problems, or diabetes, are at a greater risk than healthy individuals and should make sure they protect themselves, especially at night when mosquitoes are usually out, Bender said.

Dr. Paul Ettestad, public health veterinarian for New Mexico, said a cold spring has not brought out mosquitoes like usual, but recent rains and warmer temperatures are creating perfect breeding and egg lay opportunities for mosquitoes.

“The peak period of West Nile is usually in mid-August,” he said.

Crows and magpies are especially susceptible to the virus, Bender said.

Birds can be tested, but people should not touch the birds with their hands — use gloves — or something to pick the birds up to bring in for testing.

There were human fatalities among 60 human cases in 2007 in New Mexico.

Not too late to vaccinate

It is not too late to vaccinate horses for this year, both veterinarians said.

Horse owners can use an insect repellent for horses and Premise sprays are available for stables.

Help is available, as well as information. Concerned individuals should contact one of the following, in their areas:

• Navajo Veterinary and Livestock Program (928) 871-6615.
• Navajo Nation Health Education Program (928) 871-6258.
• Arizona West Nile Hotline: (602) 364-4500.

On the net:

Arizona WNV Web site: www.hs.state.az.us
New Mexico WNV Web site: www.nmhealth.org/epi/wnv.html

— To contact reporter Jim Tiffin call (505) 285-4560 or e-mail: jtiffin.independent@yahoo.com.