West Nile Virus and Equines - The Washington State Dept. of Agriculture has issued this important information about the disease as it relates to your animals:

The virus affects horses, mules, donkeys and other equines much more often than other animals. Most horses do not become ill and show no symptoms at all. Those that do become ill show signs such as loss of appetite, loss of coordination, confusion, fever, stiffness, muscle tremors and weakness. About one-third of horses that become ill die.

Now is a good time to talk to your veterinarian about the West Nile virus vaccine. The vaccine requires two doses three to six weeks apart, and immunity may not be achieved until up to six weeks after the second dose. An annual booster should be given a few weeks to a month prior to the start of the mosquito season in your area.