west nile?

[debbiej]

I just went outside with the dogs and there are lots of mosquitoes out. we don't ususally have them in the desert. I could look this up, but do dogs get west nile virus?

[mmilard]

Originally Posted by debbiej

I just went outside with the dogs and there are lots of mosquitos out. we don't ususally have them in the desert. I could look this up, but do dogs get west nile virus?

I have heard that they can. I know horses can get it. But I'm not sure about dogs.

[Rott-Wiley]

This is right off of the CDC web site:

Q. Can West Nile virus (WNV) cause illness in dogs or cats?

A. A relatively small number of WNV infected dogs (<40) and only 1 WNV infected cat have been reported to CDC during 2003. Experimentally infected dogs* showed no symptoms after infection with WNV. Some infected cats exhibited mild, nonspecific symptoms during the first week after infection--for the most part only showing a slight fever and slight lethargy.

It is unlikely that most pet owners would notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in cats or dogs that become infected with WNV.

[debbiej]

Thanks, that's good to know. I hear it is around here.

[Rott-Wiley]

Our mosquitoes were real bad last year. I know every time I took the dog out I'd get four or more bites. There were a few cases of WNV reported in horses in Ocala (about 75 miles north west of here) but nothing happened to us. Fortunately this year is much better.

[debbiej]

I've heard WNV has made it here, and there have been several horse cases. My daughter in law is very careful with their baby, goes mosquitoe hunting in their house every night, and repellent is bad for little ones.