EUnetHorse - Technical Sheet – HE02 – West Nile Fever Vaccination

As direct control of the virus in the infected animal is not possible West Nile virus vaccination in horses is an effective way of protecting horses from infection and, above all, preventing a severe course of the disease. It is particularly recommended for horses living in or temporarily staying in areas with a higher risk. Vaccination reduces the clinical signs of the disease, brain damage and viremia. In some cases, the virus can cross the bloodbrain barrier and reach the brain, leading to more or less marked nervous signs and even death.