KY Vets Push West Nile Vaccine
The Department of Agriculture is recommending that horses be vaccinated against West Nile virus because heavy infestations of mosquitoes are expected in the wake of severe flooding.
More than 680 horses have been diagnosed with the disease over the past 10 years. A severe outbreak in 2002 killed 137 horses.
Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer recommended Monday that property owners eliminate standing water that serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The risk of severe illness in humans from West Nile Virus is slight. Young children, adults over age 50, and those with weak immune systems are at greatest risk for contracting the virus.
