How does West Nile virus affect animals?
West Nile virus has only rarely caused serious illness in companion animals like dogs or cats; however, horses are susceptible to the virus. Signs of the disease in horses may vary and include any combination of the following: fever, weakness, listlessness, stumbling, lack of coordination, muscle spasms, partial paralysis, or death. The main treatment is supportive therapy to reduce the severity of symptoms. The disease can be prevented in horses through a West Nile virus vaccine, available from licensed veterinarians. For more information contact your veterinarian. Some bird species (crows, ravens, jays and birds of prey) and other wildlife species also are susceptible to disease. Sick birds may show signs of brain infection: paralysis, depression, tremors, weakness and death. The main treatment is supportive therapy to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections.
