The easiest way to avoid West Nile virus (WNV) is to prevent mosquito bites. Here are some tips recommended by health authorities:

Reduce your risk. Remember the four "D"s:

1. DRAIN your property of standing water
2. DUSK/DAWN : Take extra care
3. DRESS appropriately
4. DEFEND against mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents wisely

Be aware of the level of WNV risk when traveling. In B.C., 19 B.C. residents contracted the virus in 2007 while outside the province, particularly in Canada’s Prairie provinces.

Protecting horses
Horses, like people, can contact  virus (WNV) from an infected mosquito, but unlike people, about 40% of these horses will die. Horses in WNV-prevalent areas should be protected from mosquito bites as much as possible.

A vaccine against WNV is available for horses, but its effectiveness is undetermined. This vaccine is not suitable for use in people. The majority of horses infected with WNV will recover fully with veterinary care. The virus cannot spread from one horse to another or from horses to people.

For more information on horses and WNV contact the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.