Surveillance for West Nile virus in horses.

This research article focuses on the monitoring of West Nile Virus (WNV) in horses, highlighting the importance of reporting any suspected WNV infection case to a local Animal Health office. The article also indicates that horse veterinarians wanting to exclude WNV as a possible diagnosis should discuss each case with their local Animal Health office and request further diagnostic testing.

Investigation of West Nile Virus in Horses

• The research begins by noting a previous correspondence regarding the inclusion of WNV infection in the differential diagnosis of horses presenting neurological clinical signs. West Nile fever, caused by WNV, belongs to a group of equine encephalitides that warrant official notification and regulation under specific Animal Health regulations.
• Any suspicion of clinical signs arising due to WNV infection must be immediately reported to the local Animal Health office, paving the way for an official investigation.

Surveillance Activities for WNV in Britain

• A recently published paper described the surveillance efforts for WNV in British birds from 2001 to 2006, and it was reported that no evidence of WNV was found.
• However, the article recognizes that occasions may arise where a veterinary surgeon does not suspect WNV infection but would wish to rule this out. In such situations, it is advised that the veterinary surgeon discuss the case with the local Animal Health office and request for samples to be collected and diagnosed.
• If a consensus is reached, the samples are to be submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency at Weybridge, which will then communicate the results to the submitting veterinary surgeon and the Exotic Notifiable Disease Unit at DEFRA.

Further Information and Follow-up

• General information on West Nile fever is available on the DEFRA’s website. Additional details regarding sampling and submission protocols can be obtained from the local Animal Health office upon request.
• If the test results are not decisively negative, the local divisional veterinary manager will coordinate a follow-up investigation in conjunction with the attending veterinary surgeon. This procedure is under the Infectious Diseases of Horses Order.
• Ultimately, the authors aim to use the data obtained from sampling and testing to help analyse the risk posed to horses and humans from WNV infection. This valuable information would be made available to interested parties.