2017 A Light West Nile Year In Washington

2017 as far as West Nile Virus cases are concerned was a fairly light year.  According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, the virus was confirmed in nine horses statewide this year.  That’s far less than the 27 cases recorded in 2016.

Why the sudden drop?  Dr. Thomas Gilliom told he Washington Ag Network the population of problematic birds may have been down this year.

“But especially corvids, ravens, crows, magpies, these kinds of birds, maybe they weren’t in the right place at the right time, so the natural reservoir that we had this year wasn’t as high as it has been in previous years.”

Dr. Gilliom said he is hopeful more horse owners vaccinated this year, which would also lead to reduced numbers.  As far as into the futures, is only nine cases a year the new norm?

“I wouldn’t go to the bank and bet if that’s going to happen again in 2018.  So, 2018, 2019might be two really good years to see how this West Nile Virus is caring on through our state.”

He added California reported an increase in West Nile Virus, while few numbers have been reported from Oregon and Idaho.  Dr. Gilliom stressed it’s important to horse owners to vaccinate their animal when administering their annual regiment of shots.  For additional tips to keep your horse free of West Nile virus, visit the WSDA's Website.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com