Recommended vaccination for horses: West Nil virus spreads in Lower Saxony

Recommended vaccination for horses: West Nil virus spreads in Lower Saxony

In Lower Saxony, a worrying increase in West Nil virus infections among horses is currently being recorded. Since mid-August, a total of ten cases have been reported to horses in various counties, including Lüchow-Dannenberg, Rotenburg (Wümme), Uelzen, Celle, Gifhorn and Vechta as well as in the city of Braunschweig. In addition, the virus was detected by an amel, a white -headed eagle and an owl. These developments have caused the constant Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medicine to update their recommendations to vaccinate horses.

The STIKO VET has now pronounced an extended vaccination recommendation for the Low German lowlands. Although vaccinations are too late for the ongoing mosquito season, which is expected to end in October, a timely basic immunization is recommended before the next mosquito season. This consists of two vaccinations and can enable horse owners to protect their animals from serious illnesses from 2025.

transmission paths of the virus

The West Nil virus is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, with birds acting as the main hosts. This means that the infection takes place between different bird species. While most birds remain symptomless, in particular some types such as sparrow birds and birds of prey are susceptible to serious illnesses that can lead to death. People and horses are considered so -called malpress, which means that they can be infected but do not spread the virus further; So there is no risk of infection.

An infection with the West Nil virus is often symptomless. However, around 8 percent of infected horses can have severe neurological symptoms such as paralysis and general weakness. In these cases, mortality is between 30 and 50 percent, and the surviving animals can suffer lasting damage. In humans, the symptoms of a West Nile fever often resemble a flu infection, with severe courses that lead to meninges or brain inflammation, in less than one percent of the cases.

The West Nil virus has its origins in Africa and has now spread almost worldwide. In Germany, it was first found in a Bartauuz in Saxony-Anhalt in 2018, and since then the distribution of the virus has increased, especially in the federal states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony.

To combat the virus, protection against mosquitoes is particularly important. It is recommended to cover open water tanks to minimize the breeding grounds of the mosquitoes. The use of suitable preparations can also help to avoid mosquito bites. Signed vaccines are available for horses to protect the animals from the potential dangers of this viral infection.

For more information on West Nile fever and special measures for horse owners, interested parties can check on the website of the Lower Saxony animal disease information.

In addition, reports about suspected cases and proven infections in horses and birds must be reported to the responsible veterinary office. Such reports are crucial in order to continue to monitor the spread of the West Nil virus and to take suitable measures.