West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is endemic in North Carolina. Horse owners should talk to their veterinarians to determine the best time to start the vaccination process. Vaccination initially requires two shots, 30 days apart, for horses that have no prior vaccination history. A booster shot should be given every six months in North Carolina because of the extended active mosquito season. You can decrease the chance of your animals’ being exposed to the virus by limiting their exposure to mosquitoes. The best way to do this is to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than four days. The best way to reduce your risk is to remove any potential sources of standing water in which breeding can take place.
Courtesy of North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services