The state veterinarian is asking Hawaii horse owners to watch for symptoms of the West Nile virus, although it has not been found in Hawaii. Isle horse owners
put on alert for
West Nile virusStar-Bulletin staff
Symptoms include weakness, stumbling, staggering, wobbly gait, lack of coordination, inability to stand and hind limb paralysis.
West Nile virus is primarily a wild-bird disease, but other birds, humans and horses may also be affected.
The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus normally is transmitted from birds to mosquitoes, and horses and humans are dead-end hosts. Mosquitoes do not pick up the virus from biting an infected horse or human.
The virus has been identified in 41 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces.
In humans the virus can cause encephalitis or meningitis. People over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to complications related to the virus. The disease has been reported in people in 20 states since 1999.
The state Health Department recommends removing standing water where mosquitoes breed. For more information on the virus as it pertains to animals, call the state Department of Agriculture at 973-9560. For information on how it pertains to humans, call the Health Department's Epidemiology or Vector Control Branch.
State of Hawaii
Hawaii Department of Health
