Just the facts
NILES VIRUS and Vaccine for our horses and un-born foals. I did some research in the fall
of 2003 after receiving a disturbing email about deformed, aborted and still born foals from
a group blaming the West Niles Vaccine. (Click here for clinical signs of West Niles Virus)
I would like to share this information with my readers, however, it is for your information
only. As always, we recommend that you discuss equine health issues with your
veterinarian.
FYI: I do vaccinate all my horses for the West Niles Virus and have since the vaccine came
out. I have had NO adverse reactions or problems with the vaccine in my horses including
the pregnant mares.
Steven L. Halstead, DVM, MS
Equine, Companion Animal and Swine Programs
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Animal Industry Division
Tue, 29 Jul 2003 09:24:15 -0400
Ms. Gisbrecht,
None of the information provided on the web site you mentioned is
validated by scientific evidence. No post-mortem examinations of aborted
foals eliminating other causes; no studies of vaccine given to pregnant
mares showing a cause-effect relationship between vaccination and
abortion, birth defects, or conception; no evidence of other adverse impacts
from vaccination.
This vaccine contains killed west nile virus - it cannot cause disease
or otherwise actively interact with the systems of the recipient.
Immunity is generated by the immune system of the horse recognizing the
killed virus as foreign and building antibodies against it. These
antibodies physically attach to any wild virus that is introduced to the horse
through a mosquito bite and remove the virus before it can infect
cells. This is the same technique safely used to protect horses from
tetanus, rabies, EEE, and most other infectious diseases. Nothing about this
vaccine or system differs from these other vaccine products that
supports suspicion. Further, the question must be asked: what else has
happened in the life and world of a mare in the months between vaccination
and abortion or birth of a mal-formed foal?
Vaccination against west nile virus is one tool a horse owner can use
to protect their animal. I encourage you to discuss use of the vaccine
in your herd and with your particular animals with your veterinarian.
The claims made by the lost foals group website are certainly cause for
concern. Veterinarians and animal scientists across the country very
skeptical about these claims and are working both in the field and in
research to prove the safety and effectiveness of vaccination against
west nile virus.
I hope this information is useful - don't hesitate to write back if
further assistance is needed.
Steven L. Halstead, DVM, MS
Equine, Companion Animal and Swine Programs
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Animal Industry Division
(Original email written by me below)
>>> Nellie Gisbrecht <rockinpaints@yahoo.com> 07/10/03 10:29PM >>>
Hello there, my name is Nellie Gisbrecht and I own 11
horses. I received a very disturbing email today with
the link to a website about the Fort Dodge West Niles
Vaccine. (Which I vaccinated my horses with last
year)
The website has listed many testimonies (some photos)
of deformed foals resulting from the West Niles
Vaccine. The website is
http://lost-foals-group.4t.com/photo6.html
My mares are pregnant and I am concerned about
re-vaccinating this year. Could you tell me if there
could be any connection with all these deformed foals
and the West Niles Vaccine.
I would appreciate any information you could give me.
Thank you,
Nellie Gisbrecht
I hope this information has been helpful.
For information on the new Merial WNV Vaccine go to EquineWNV.com
 |
 |