West Nile Virus

        It's almost fall and time for West Nile Virus (as well as EEE) to threaten Hampton Roads. This unusually hot and dry summer has kept the mosquito population at bay, but the rains are coming and with them come the swarms. There are already signs across the nation that this may be a bad year for West Nile Virus. Areas which have had significant rain are reporting cases of West Nile Virus already, which is earlier than usual. Arizona has even reported a human death in July 2010!

        You can help keep your horse protected against this potentially deadly disease by doing the usual things to prevent mosquitoes. But, just as important, your horse should be kept up to date with vaccinations. Hampton Roads is an endemic area for mosquitoes - we have them year round, even during this past winter's cold and snow ! Despite what you may read on the label or on the internet, it is imperative that horses in endemic areas, like Hampton Roads, received two vaccinations per year for the best possible protection against West Nile.

        Check out more information on West Nile Virus at the CDC website.