West Nil virus in Lower Saxony: Recommended vaccination for horse owners

West Nil virus in Lower Saxony: Recommended vaccination for horse owners

Hannover. The situation around the West Nil virus has worsened: In the past few weeks, several horses have been diagnosed with this feared virus infection. The permanent vaccination commission has now made important recommendations for animal owners.

Ten infections in horses in Lower Saxony have been determined since mid -August, as the Ministry of Agriculture in Hanover announced. The West Nil virus, an animal disease subject to report, is transmitted by mosquitoes and mainly affects birds. However, the virus is often asymptomatic in horses, but in some cases severe neurological symptoms such as paralysis or muscle tremors can occur. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), an infection in humans is usually mild and without any noteworthy symptoms.

affected regions and proof of birds

The virus was demonstrated in various counties such as Lüchow-Dannenberg, Rotenburg (Wümme), Uelzen, Celle, Gifhorn and Vechta as well as in the city of Braunschweig. Virus infections in the respective counties were also found in birds such as an amel, a white -headed eagle and an owl. It is noteworthy that the last cases in horses in Lower Saxony occurred in 2023 and 2020, which underlines the urgency of the situation.

The constant Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medicine (STIKO VET) has stated in a message that effective vaccines are available for the vaccination of horses. "We recommend having horses vaccinated against the West Nil virus throughout the Low German lowlands," emphasizes the ministry. Even if it is too late for vaccinations for the current mosquito season, basic immunization could be of crucial importance for the coming season.

origin and spread of the West Nil virus

The West Nil virus has a long way behind it. Originally isolated in the West Nil district in Uganda in 1937, it first appeared in Europe in the 1960s. In Germany, an infected bird was proven for the first time in 2018, and only recently was documented in the RKI infections in humans that were transmitted by the local mosquitoes.

The current development clearly shows that animal owners in Lower Saxony have to be particularly vigilant. The distribution of the West Nil virus could not only endanger the health of the animals, but also bring potential risks for humans. Protection by vaccinations appears as a key to coping with this challenge.