15 June 2023 | Product and Promotions Guide
There's no doubt that West Nile virus
(WNV) is a serious threat for horses.
WNV is the leading cause of
encephalitis in horses, with over
25,000 reported cases since its
introduction in 1999.
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There's no doubt that West Nile virus (WNV) is a serious threat for
horses. WNV is the leading cause of encephalitis in horses, with over
25,000 reported cases since its introduction in 1999.
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In our interview with Kevin Hankins, DVM, MBA, senior technical services
veterinarian for Zoetis Animal Health,
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he points out that WNV "is now
considered an endemic disease in the United States, so the horse owner
needs to remain concerned about the disease even though it has been
around for over 20 years."
In 2018 alone, the United States Department of Agriculture identified
220 equine WNV cases in 34 different states.
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The virus has been
identified in all 48 continental United States; its wide distribution is likely
attributable to the fact that it has many potential mosquito vectors.
Current estimates suggest that WNV has a 33% mortality rate,
accompanied by a 40% likelihood of residual neurological deficits (lasting
six or more months) in surviving horses.
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Additionally, Dr. Hankins notes
that the mortality rate is 70% in horses that are recumbent at the time of
diagnosis. Given these factors, it's no surprise that WNV is now regarded
as a core vaccine by the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
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However, gaining an equine client's compliance with recommended
vaccination strategies can sometimes present a challenge that requires
creativity and information to overcome.
Emphasizing Value in West Nile Virus
Vaccination
Equine clients, like many veterinary clients, are often price-conscious.
When debating whether to pay for a recommended service, such as
WNV vaccination, they want to know whether the service provides value.
Fortunately, WNV vaccines are an affordable and effective solution for
many equine clients.
Depending on the vaccine you carry and your practice's pricing strategies,
the price of a single WNV vaccination will likely be $50/year or less. This
vaccine is often administered at the same time as other preventive care
services, so there is rarely a need for a separate farm call charge.
