West Nile virus (WNV) isn’t disclosing any secrets about which direction it’s headed next, but Ohio is considered to be in its path, and state officials have responded accordingly. A West Nile Virus Workgroup was formed in 2000, and the Ohio Department of Health, The Ohio State University Extension, and other state and federal agencies have been working feverishly on prevention and response plans while educating the public on the emerging disease.

William J.A. Saville, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at The Ohio State University, works jointly for the Extension. He contributes to the workgroup as coordinator of education and communication. “We’re seeing more cooperation than we’ve ever experienced between state agencies, and we’re tapping into expertise that we’ve never tapped into before,” he said. “This has helped the thoroughness of the response plan.”

But before response come prevention and surveillance. “We have been emphasizing education, source reduction, larvaciding, and surveillance of mosquitoes and dead birds,” explained Saville. “It is so critical to start getting organized, and we’re apprising the public by development of media releases. In addition, we are educating extension agents and local health department personnel across the state through live video conferences and seminars. As we educate extension and health personnel, they educate the grassroots, so numerous seminars are being given by extension and the Ohio Department of Health personnel.” There is also widespread distribution of fact sheets to extension, local health departments, and other agencies. Fact sheets are available at prevmed.vet.ohio-state.edu/ extension/WNVHome.html.

Robert A. Restifo, MSc, a medical entomologist, works for the Ohio Department of Health’s Vector-Borne Disease Unit. Restifo’s unit will be assaying mosquitoes from traps all over the state during the upcoming mosquito season. He emphasized the importance of source reduction of mosquitoes. “Around a horse farm, you have water tanks, pockets in tarps, and buckets– all good for collecting water and attracting mosquito breeding,” he explained. Old tires present another problem and should be eliminated. One non-toxic way of source reduction is using Bacillus Thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) or “mosquito dunks,” which can be dropped into standing water. The bacteria will kill any mosquito larvae. This product can be obtained in local hardware or agricultural stores.

Should WNV appear in the equine population, “Don’t take a wait and see attitude,” when neurological symptoms appear, encourages Saville. “Call your vet as soon as possible.” He instructed agents to encourage horse owners to avoid using stable lights in the evening; avoid using bug zappers, which only serve to attract mosquitoes; and to keep birds out of the barn.

For the latest on West Nile, visit https://thehorse.com/wnv.