West Nile Virus Threatens Local Horses

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Story Published: Jul 25, 2009 at 10:43 PM PST

By Ryan Simms

YAKIMA COUNTY-- As scorching summer days continue, the threat of West Nile Virus grows.

In a rural part of Yakima County, Traci Patterson spends her weekends doing what she loves.

"I've had horses all my life and they're my recreation, " Patterson says.

With three cases of West Nile Virus popping up in recent days, horse owners like Traci aren't taking any chances. She's vaccinated all four of her horses against the virus, which is something that could mean the difference between life and death for the animals she so loves and enjoys.

"I've talked to different vets about it," Patterson tells Action News. "The horses that have been lost, typically have not been vaccinated."

Fortunately, giving horses vaccinations has become easier in recent years. For a long time, horses needed two vaccine shots every year to protect them from West Nile Virus, but now only one shot is needed.

Vaccinations are especially vital in Washington, which has one of the highest West Nile Virus rates in the country. In 2008, 41 horses died of the disease in Washington.

"If you lose your horse and didn't vaccinate, how could you live with yourself?" says Patterson.

Tough talk and perhaps some inspiration for other horse owners to keep the problem under control-- and their horses alive and well.

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