Can pets get West Nile virus?

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: Can dogs and cats get West Nile virus?

Answer: Yes, it is possible for any mammal to get this disease. At this time the disease does not appear to be statistically significant in dogs and cats. One cat in New Jersey in 1999 and two cats in upstate New York in 2000 had the virus. All were severely ill and died. A study about this same time showed that in Queens, New York, between 5 and 11 percent of the dogs had been exposed to the virus, but none was ill.

Most experts in infectious diseases feel pretty comfortable stating that West Nile virus represents a serious health threat only in humans, horses and birds. Future studies may demonstrate the disease is more widespread in the canine and feline species than it is currently thought to be. However, as of this date, veterinarians seeing patients with neurological symptoms are being urged to consider other, more likely, causes of illness, including rabies.

There is no evidence that this virus is directly transmissible between animals or people. West Nile virus is only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Prevention should be primarily directed toward control of the mosquito population. In horses, a vaccine is available and should be considered.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau-area veterinarian.