As reported by the City of Plano Health Dept. on Sept 4, 2020, the first reported case of West Nile Virus was reported. The city on Thursday, Sept 3, 2020, sent out work crews to spray the reported area. (see link for an area of Plano affected) Not that we don’t have enough to worry about now comes West Nile. Are animals infected by this virus? Only Very few cases of West Nile have been found in the blood of dogs and cats. However, birds, squirrels, horses, and a few other non-domesticated animals can carry the virus and become extremely ill or die. This virus is transmitted by a mosquito or tick bit that carries the virus. It has been discovered that oral transmission is also possible. It is important to keep dogs and cats away from dead squirrels and birds.
Each year from early Springtime, we are warned of the dangers of the West Nile virus. We are told to remove standing water, clean water buckets and tanks to prevent mosquito breeding, remove any dead bird or squirrel to prevent your dog from eating it. It is important to provide monthly flea and tick preventative because ticks have been known to carry that disease. At Petr Are Inn, we require all guests to be covered by Flea and Tick preventative. this not only protects our valued guests but protects our vans and host homes as well from any flea or tick infestation.
Horses can contract the virus and there is a vaccine they can be given to protect them which is definitely recommended. We recommend giving it in the spring, just before the worst of the mosquito season. Putting fans in stalls that blow over the horses may help decrease mosquito feeding.