WSHC Ask A Vet Preventative Library

WSHC "Ask A Vet" Preventative Library Questions and Answers:
Q.	I'm really concerned about my gelding getting sick from West Nile Virus. My vet gave him the vaccination this spring as part of his regular shots, but will it hurt him to have it again in the fall? We live in Wisconsin.

A.	First of all, I'd like to commend you on providing regular vaccinations for your gelding and for including West Nile protection for him. The West Nile vaccine is administered once a year, normally in the spring. I have not heard of any adverse effects of boostering equines again in the fall, although I don't believe you will see any added benefit since the disease is transmitted by mosquitos and those are not an issue once the seasons change in Wisconsin.