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Vaccinating against West Nile virus? Not if your horse is going to China

West Nile virus in horses: what you need to know

West Nile virus (WNV) is actively circulating in Belgium this season. Infection starts with mosquitoes feeding on the blood of infected birds. The mosquitoes then carry the virus and pass it on to horses when they bite them. Fortunately, an infected horse cannot transmit the virus to other horses, animals or people.

The chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito is small, and not every infected horse becomes ill. In 80% of cases, the infection goes unnoticed. If a horse does become ill, however, the disease can be severe. The symptoms are neurological: ataxia (a drunken, unsteady gait), muscle tremors, loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing. These are caused by inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord

How can you protect your horse?

Two measures help, and they work best in combination.

1. Keep mosquitoes away

Insect repellent spray against mosquitoes
Rugs that shield the skin
Avoid standing water
Keep horses indoors at dusk and during the night, when mosquitoes are most active

2. Vaccinate

The vaccine does not prevent infection, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe neurological disease. The vaccine will not make your horse ill (at most 1–2 days of fever or lethargy, as is possible with any vaccine), but the body will build up antibodies against the virus. The vet gives 2 vaccinations 4–6 weeks apart, followed by an annual booster. This is best done in spring, just before mosquito season begins.

Exporting to China: vaccination not permitted

Are you considering vaccination, but also planning to compete with your horse in China or sell it there? Then there is one important exception to keep in mind.

According to the official FASFC instruction for the export of horses to China (IB.CN.03.02), a horse must not be vaccinated against West Nile fever. This is checked in the horse’s identification document (passport). If a West Nile vaccination is recorded in the passport, the horse is not eligible for the certificate for China.

For now, China is the only country to which this specific exclusion applies. If you have concrete plans involving China, consider in good time whether vaccination is the right choice for your horse.

Not sure what the best approach is for your horse?

There is currently no reason to panic, but it is important to recognize the symptoms. Feel free to contact us with any questions. We are happy to help you think it through, whether it concerns vaccination, protection against mosquitoes or export plans to China.