West Nile Virus

Question and Answers About West Nile Virus

The peak season for mosquitoes begins in early July and runs through early September. Since we are currently in the middle of the season officials are urging hunters and anglers to take measures to lessen the threat of West Nile Virus to human and bird populations, as well as to hunting dogs.

To answer our questions we consulted Bridget Atkins, public relations director for the Tender Corporation; makers of insect repellants and other skin care products.

OVO -- What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus belongs to a group of disease-causing viruses known as flaviviruses, which are spread by mosquitoes. The virus is most commonly found in Africa, West Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

It was first reported in the United States in New York State in 1999. WNV is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis, a naturally occurring virus in the U.S. and Canada. WNV has been detected in 42 states and the District of Columbia. The geographic range of WNV within the U.S. has grown each year. It was first detected in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia in 2002.

OVO – What health hazards do hunters/anglers, and hunting dogs face from the disease?

Most people [around 80 percent] who are infected by WNV show no recognizable symptoms. Of the 20 percent who do show recognizable illness, the symptoms are typically mild, including "flu-like" symptoms, nausea, a mild rash, or fatigue. The most severely affected patients may develop the potentially fatal conditions of West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis or West Nile meningoencephalitis. All deaths from the disease have occurred in people and dogs with compromised immune systems, for instance old and/or sick victims.

Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it. Severe symptoms include shaking or tilted head and impaired motor skills.

OVO -- What species of animals hunted by humans are threatened by WNV?

More than 100 species of birds have been found to carry the virus, with members of the Corvidae family (crows, blue jays, ravens) showing the greatest mortality from the virus. To date, specimens of the following game birds have been reported positive for WN virus: sandhill cranes, mourning doves, mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, and ring-necked pheasants. Scientists believe wild waterfowl may be immune to the virus.

OVO -- What can be done to protect oneself out in the field?

Hunters should follow the usual precautions when handling wild animals. Should you expect to encounter mosquitoes in the field, wear long pants, long-sleeves, and mosquito repellant.

Other precautions include not harvesting or handling sick game birds, using gloves when handling live or dead birds, and cooking game birds until well done. Also a DEET based repellent should be worn at all times you are outdoors, particularly if in a swampy area where mosquitoes breed.

OVO -- What about protecting a hunting dog?

Cases of WNV have been reported in dogs in the U.S., but most infections did not cause severe illness in infected dogs. However, veterinarians in Illinois confirmed the first documented canine death from WNV in North America, according to a Ducks Unlimited news release. An eight-year-old Irish setter/Golden Retriever mix, a wolf and three gray squirrels in Illinois died of West Nile infection. Officials do not expect an epidemic of the virus in household pets, but caution that older dogs, puppies, and dogs that already have weak immune systems could be at risk.

"The infected dog in Illinois showed neurological symptoms, including unusual head bobbing, lethargy, and progressive weakening. The virus appears to have been transmitted by mosquitoes, and researchers stress that people and other pets have a low risk of contracting the virus from an infected dog," reads the release. Dog owners should minimize their pet’s exposure to mosquitoes by using screened kennels, and/or repellents approved for use on animals. Do not use DEET on dogs.

For additional information on the virus go to the Centers for Disease Control’s web site at www.cdc.gov. or to www.tendercorp.com.