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By TIM TESCONI The Sonoma horse is the second horse in California this year to be infected with the mosquito-transmitted virus, which is often fatal. Health officials fear widespread West Nile infections this year in birds, horses and humans. "The West Nile virus arrived in Sonoma County early this year and there is a high probability that we will see many infections, including in humans," Dr. Leigh Hall, Sonoma County's deputy public health officer, said Friday. Hall said the best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. He advised draining standing water and limiting activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. He said all horses should be vaccinated. There is no vaccine available for other animals or for humans. The Sonoma horse, which is expected to survive, was not vaccinated, said Chris Canterbury, spokesman for the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District. Canterbury said it's estimated that 80 percent to 90 percent of Sonoma County's 14,500 horses have been vaccinated for West Nile. |
But that means there could be 1,500 to 3,000 horses not vaccinated, making them highly susceptible to the viral disease. You can reach Staff Writer Tim Tesconi at 521-5289 or ttesconi@pressdemocrat.com. |
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