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Let us know your legislative ideas for the Board
The Board is preparing for the next legislative session to start on January 14, 2025. Part of our preparations include gathering feedback and ideas from livestock owners, industry, veterinarians and the public on what legislation we should propose. Next year is also the start of the state's next biennial budget, which is a good time to propose new statutes because funding can be simultaneously requested.
Complete our brief online legislative feedback form.
Please keep in mind we will review all submissions, yet we can't necessarily include everything we receive in our final proposal. We appreciate your suggestions to shape our future and help us meet our mission of Healthy animals for healthy people and communities.
West Nile virus season is in full swing
West Nile Virus (WNv) is an infectious disease that is primarily spread by mosquitoes. The virus typically cycles between mosquitoes and birds, with mosquitoes picking up the virus from infected birds and then passing it on to other animals, including humans, horses, and sometimes reptiles. Alpacas and other camelids can also be affected, with alpacas being particularly susceptible.
WNv can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The disease was notably widespread in the U.S. in 2002, with thousands of horse cases reported. Since then, the number of cases has decreased to a few hundred each year. This disease is monitored by the Board of Animal Health.
In horses, WNv can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, depression, and changes in behavior or coordination. The virus may take anywhere from three to 15 days to show symptoms in horses, and some horses may not show any signs at all. The symptoms can be similar to those of other neurologic conditions like rabies. Diagnosing WNv usually involves a blood test to detect antibodies to the virus, or it can be identified after an animal has died.
There is no specific cure for WNv; treatment focuses on providing supportive care to keep the animal comfortable while it recovers. Many horses start to improve within a week of showing symptoms, and most eventually return to their normal selves, although some may experience lingering neurological issues.
Vaccines for WNv are available and have been widely used, which has helped reduce the number of cases in horses. Additionally, minimizing mosquito exposure can help lower the risk of infection.
Response plan for H5N1 at exhibitions
The Board developed a short overview document to outline how H5N1 is handled at exhibitions. It covers the mechanisms we have in place to reduce the risk of H5N1 from arriving at the exhibition in the first place like veterinary inspections and required testing. Plus it outlines the response process for cases that are suspected while an animal is at an exhibition. You can review the handout in its entirety on our website.
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