Time to get horses vaccinated

(WPRI) -- It's time for horses to start getting vaccinated against mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

The warning comes from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR). Vaccinations now, during the spring, will ensure the animals are protected before late July and August, when viruses are at their peak. The department says you shouldn't wait until a positive case is reported in the area. It can take several weeks for an animal to be fully protected by a vaccine.

"It is important to stay a step ahead of these diseases and administering vaccinations in a timely manner is the best way to protect our equine population," said DAR Commissioner Greg Watson.

EEE and WNV can create neurologic symptoms that can lead to death, and other animal species can also be affected.

In 2011, one case each of WNV and EEE were confirmed in horses.

Owners are also encouraged to reduce potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes by clearing standing water -- buckets, tires, wading pools and the like -- especially after heavy rains.

For more information, visit the state's web site at http://www.mass.gov/agr/mosquito/index.htm.