Dr Ernest Zirkle of the NJ Department of Agriculture has agreed to act as a repository for sera collected from NJ horses shipping to Florida for competition. This can be an important epidemiological tool to allow greater understanding of West Nile Virus. Contact your veterinarian to make necessary arrangements. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets today announced a number of deaths and illness in horses in Suffolk County New York are likely the result of West Nile-Like virus. The USDA and CDC confirmed at least one dead horse had the virus and other 10 symptomatic horses have confirmed West Nile - like virus antibodies.
Additional tests are pending.
The following are our suggestions based upon conversations with knowledgeable persons. As always consult your veterinarian in all matters regarding your horses health and welfare and your health care provider for matters affecting you. Do not turn out if mosquitoes are present or likely. Do not use DEET on infants. DEET may be applied to thin clothing as well as to exposed skin.