Can West Nile virus cause illness in dogs or cats?
A. There is a published report of West Nile virus isolated from a dog in southern Africa (Botswana) in 1982. There are no published reports regarding cats, but West Nile virus was isolated from a dead cat in the New York area epidemic. However, a serosurvey of these animals in the epidemic area showed a low infection rate.
Dogs and cats can become infected, but they rarely show any symptoms or unusual behavior. Is there a vaccine for cats or dogs? No. Can my I get West Nile virus from my horse, dog, or cat? There is no evidence that horses, dogs, or cats will spread West Nile virus to humans. Should a dog or cat infected with West Nile virus be killed? No. There is no reason to kill an animal just because it has been infected with West Nile virus. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Talk to your veterinarian for more information. Can I use insect repellent on my pets? DEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for use on pets (largely because animals tend to lick their fur.) Talk with your veterinarian for advice about the right product to use on your pet. Human Prevention and DEET Info (back to top) Protect from Dusk to Dawn That is when mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active, so protect yourself and your family and prevent mosquito bites. Protect yourself
West Nile virus has been confirmed in some domestic animals, including pet birds, dogs and cats. A study done in Queens in 1999 showed that 5% to 11% of dogs tested had been exposed to West Nile virus, though none were clinically ill. It is important to remember that pets with neurologic disease should be first evaluated for othermore likely causes of illness, including rabies.
West Nile virus was isolated from one cat in New Jersey in 1999 and two cats in upstate New York in 2000. All were severely ill and died. A study in Queens in 1999 showed that from 5% to 11% of dogs tested had been exposed to West Nile virus, though none was clinically ill. It is important to remember that pets with neurologic disease should be first evaluated for other, more likely, causes of illness, including rabies.
A. West Nile virus does not appear to cause illness in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats (and other animals) can become infected with the virus, but do not show signs of illness. Q. Can I use insect repellent on my pets? A. DEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for veterinary use (largely because animals tend to ingest them when licking.) Talk with your veterinarian for advice about the appropriate product for use on your pet. Q. Besides mosquitoes, can you get West Nile virus directly from other insects or ticks? A. Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for West Nile virus. Although ticks infected with West Nile virus have been found in Asia and Africa, their role in the transmission and maintenance of the virus is uncertain. However, there is no information to suggest that ticks played any role in the cases identified in the United States. Q. How many types of animals have been found to be infected with West Nile virus? A. Although the vast majorit
