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Dr William Morland
Dr. William Morland graduated from Kansas State University in 1970 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. He and his wife, Dr. Laura Morland, founded the hospital in 1974. Dr. Morland is a large-animal practitioner. He also owns the Flying M Ranch. He enjoys working with his own cattle and back grounding calves. His pets other than his cattle include two Cairn terrier named Bandit and Dandy.
Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering
2012-10-03 09:09:08
Should I vaccinate for west nile?
Q- Should I vaccinate my horse for the West Nile Virus?
A- Although most of the nation has been struggling with drought conditions this summer, the population of mosquitoes—the vector responsible for transmitting West Nile virus—has still found a way to make its presence known. As of Aug. 21, 77 cases of equine West Nile virus had been reported this year, according to the United States Geological Survey’s disease maps, and the numbers are steadily climbing. West Nile virus is currently endemic across the United States and readily transmissible from birds—the reservoir hosts for the virus—to humans, horses and other mammals by mosquitoes. Direct horse-to-horse transmission is unlikely. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), 10 percent to 39 percent of unvaccinated horses will develop clinical signs when infected with West Nile virus and 30 percent to 40 percent will die. Most infected horses will exhibit neurological signs, which may include ataxia, circling, hind limb weakness, muscle fasciculation, change in mentation, somnolence, listlessness and anorexia. Both USDA-APHIS and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) also recommend annual vaccination as part of a standard wellness protocol for horses. Additionally, USDA-APHIS recommends that horse owners take appropriate measures to reduce mosquito exposure with the use of insect repellents and to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds—such as stagnant water sources, manure and weeds—when possible. Fortunately good vaccines are available for your horses and unfortunately they haven't been able to develop vaccines for your families. Take extra precautions when exposure to mosquitoes is imminent.
 
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