West Nile in Dogs and Cats

Key Information

WNV is rarely reported in companion animals
WNV illness in dogs and cats is rarely diagnosed. This does not mean that dogs and cats are not exposed to mosquitoes that carry the virus. In fact, in a survey of dogs in New York City in 1999, 5 percent of dogs tested positive for WNV neutralizing antibodies. None of these dogs had a reported illness. WNV was isolated from brain tissue from a cat with neurologic disease in 1999 and from an elderly dog with neurologic disease in September 2002.

However, both dogs and cats generally are refractory to illness. Other factors such as the animal’s immune status may play a role in these rare cases.

WNV in other animals
Since 1999, WNV has been found in other animals such as bats, camelids (alpacas and llamas), a reindeer, a seal, sheep, squirrels, a wolf, a rabbit, and a chipmunk. WNV illnesses are more commonly identified in horses and birds, especially crows, blue jays and raptors.

Is there a vaccine for dogs and cats?
There is no vaccine available for dogs or cats.

Precautions
Remember illness is rare in dogs and cats. Some general precautions to prevent mosquito bites include:

• Remove standing water to eliminate mosquito-breeding habitat.
• Bring pets indoors during peak mosquito times (dawn and dusk).
• Use approved insect repellents. Ask your veterinarian which products to use.

If you suspect West Nile Virus in your pet
Please contact your veterinarian if your animal shows signs of fever, depression, incoordination, muscle weakness, and seizures.