West Nile virus and your pet

[imported_Matty]

Can West Nile virus (WNV) cause illness in dogs or cats?

A relatively small number of WNV infected dogs (less than 40) and only 1 WNV infected cat have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during 2003. Experimentally infected dogs* showed no symptoms after infection with WNV. Some infected cats exhibited mild, nonspecific symptoms during the first week after infection – for the most part only showing a slight fever and slight lethargy.

It is unlikely that most pet owners would notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in cats or dogs that become infected with WNV.

How can my veterinarian treat my cat or dog if they are/may be infected with WNV?

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive (managing symptoms, if present) and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Does my dog/cat becoming infected pose a risk to the health of my family or other animals?

There is no documented evidence of dog or cat-to-person transmission of West Nile virus. The evidence suggests that dogs do not develop enough virus in their bloodstream to infect more mosquitoes. Cats develop slightly higher levels of virus in their bloodstream, but it is unclear if this would be enough to infect mosquitoes. It is very unlikely that cats would be important in furthering the spread of the virus.

Preliminary studies have not been able to detect virus in the saliva of infected dogs. This suggests that dog bites pose a low risk, if any, of transmission of WNV from dogs to other animals or people.

If your animal becomes infected with WNV, this suggests that there are infected mosquitoes in your area. You should take measures to prevent mosquitoes from biting you (use repellent and wear protective clothing.)

How do cats and dogs become infected with West Nile virus?

Dogs and cats become infected when bitten by an infected mosquito. There is also evidence that cats can become infected with the virus after eating experimentally infected mice.

Is there a vaccine for cats or dogs?

No. Currently, there is no WNV vaccine available for cats or dogs.

Should a dog or cat infected with West Nile virus be destroyed?

No. There is no reason to destroy an animal just because it has been infected with West Nile virus. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Can I use insect repellent on my pets?

DEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for veterinary use (largely because animals tend to ingest them by licking). Talk with your veterinarian for advice about the appropriate product for use on your pet.

What else should I know?

If you find a dead bird: Do not handle the body with your bare hands. Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing of the body.

References and Further Reading


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases. West Nile Virus background home page: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm#case.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases. West Nile Virus questions and answers: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/prevention_info.htm#1.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weekly Update: West Nile Virus Activity – United States: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/publications.htm Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

*Experimental Infection of Cats and Dogs with West Nile Virus: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol10no1/02-0616.htm.

[DogPaddle]

I still think the whole West Nile thing is overblown in general.
http://forum.dogomania.com/viewtopic.php?t=14448&highlight=nile

[imported_Cassie]

I have a couple of relatives in the states who are in their 70's, they have west nile virus and they are VERY ill from it. I think it is a very scary disease for older persons and and persons with diseases which affect their immune system.

[DogPaddle]

Agreed. The elderly, young children, those with compromised immune systems are at risk but these same people may have problems with DEET for the same reasons, its tricky.

[Seijun]

When I first went out looking for a dog, I had decided to "adopt" an adult dog from a breeder, unsold from the previous year (yeah, I know, not a good breeder, but I didn't know any better then). A meeting place was set up, but months passed and she never got to me on WHEN we were to meet. I confronted her about it and she told me the dog had died of WNV. I don't know if that was what really happened, but in the end I found a good dog at the shelter anyway.

~Seij