Second area horse tests for West Nile
By CANDACE CHASE
The Daily Inter Lake
A second horse in the Flathead Valley has tested positive for the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, according to a news release from the Montana Department of Livestock.
Flathead County Health Officer Joe Russell said the second horse was discovered with the disease in the area of Trumble Creek Road. The first horse was diagnosed in Columbia Falls and was euthanized about two weeks ago.
Russell said that the second horse is apparently recovering from the virus. It was diagnosed after a farrier noticed virus symptoms.
Two Montana men in their 20s have also tested positive for West Nile virus in recent weeks.
A Flathead man was hospitalized but has since been released and recovered. The other case was a 28-year-old man from Madison County who has also recovered.
According to state officials, the two Flathead horses were part of six cases statewide. The other animals were found in Cascade, Glacier, Phillips and Yellowstone counties.
Neither the Columbia Falls nor the Trumble Creek horse had received the vaccine which prevents or lessens the impact of West Nile virus. About one-third of horses which demonstrate symptoms die from the disease.
Montana Assistant State Veterinarian Jeanne Rankin recommends that horse owners talk to their veterinarians about the vaccine. Rankin said the vaccine could provide protection since the virus may affect horses up through late October in some areas.
Vaccination along with mosquito control provide the best protection for horses. People should use repellent, wear protective clothing and avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Russell renewed his call for residents all over the valley to take precautions. He said that the department continues to catch the mosquito species which transmits the virus in traps set up around the Flathead.
He asked again that residents report locations of significant mosquito populations to the department at 751-8100. Health officials use the information to develop a map for future larviciding efforts.
Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.