The virus apparently does not usually cause illness in dogs and cats. WNV was isolated from a cat in New Jersey in 1999, but this is the only case recorded in cats. A serosurvey of dogs and cats in the New York WNV epidemic area in 1999 showed a low infection rate in healthy dogs and cats. There is no evidence that a dog or cat can transmit the virus to humans or animals. In horses, the virus can interfere with the normal central nervous system functioning and cause inflammation of the brain.
Most horses recover from the infection.
As with other animals, horses become infected by the bite of infectious mosquitoes. No vaccine is available at this time, but an experimental vaccine may be available sometime in 2001. A. Eliminate stagnant water around the home in discarded tires, blocked gutters, unclean birdbaths, poorly maintained pools, and any type of receptacle with decaying organic matter. Limit outdoor activities at dawn, dusk and in the early evening, when possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.