The West Nile Virus is indeed present in Guadeloupe, and it has been for over 20 years. The general public has recently been made aware of it, as horses have been suffering from this vector-borne disease, primarily transmitted through mosquito bites; three equids have recently died. The virus can also be transmitted to humans, in rare cases, according to local observations.
The West Nile Virus (WNV), also known as West Nile fever, is responsible for the death of at least three horses in Guadeloupe. This disease was detected in the archipelago as early as 2002 ; at that time, equids were already affected. Since then, epidemics have occurred successively.
Then, in early August, for the first time, a human was infected locally.
ALSO READ: West Nile Virus: first human case detected in Guadeloupe – 08/08/2024.
One of the deceased animals was a resident of the La Martingale Equestrian Center. It was affected by the WNV while it was “on vacation“ at another site in Goyave.
However, the teams at La Jaille, in Baie-Mahault, are vigilant in preventing any new tragedies.
At La Martingale, we have implemented several measures. We try to fight against the spread of mosquitoes as much as possible… always, but especially now during the virus period. We use repellent products, blankets for certain horses, and we remain quite vigilant. We know our horses; we can tell when they are doing well and when they are not. We take the temperature of the horses, which is a sign of infection (…).
Benoît Bonfils, president of the La Martingale equestrian association
Benoît Bonfils, president of the La Martingale equestrian association
Weakened animals are at greater risk. But none are truly safe from the virus or post-infection complications.
It was not a weakened horse at all. It was a healthy horse. That’s what’s unfortunate : it can affect all horses. It should be noted that there are about 1,500 equids in the territory. To date, we have only recorded 5 to 6 severe cases, even fatal ones (…).
Benoît Bonfils, president of the La Martingale equestrian association
Most horses carrying this West Nile fever are asymptomatic. Their owners do not even realize they are affected by the virus.
In fatal cases, there remains the sorrow of losing a companion.
The loss of a horse is always complicated, always painful. It should be noted that we spend about 3 to 4 hours a day with our horses ; they are almost a family member rather than just an animal.
Benoît Bonfils, president of the La Martingale equestrian association
The West Nile Virus (WNV) is responsible for the death of at least three horses in Guadeloupe – August 2024.
This issue highlights a felt lack in Guadeloupe : the archipelago does not have a specialized equestrian veterinarian.
There are significant difficulties in the equine sector in Guadeloupe, indeed. We have “country” veterinarians who do a bit of everything (cattle, equids, cats, dogs, etc.). But we really lack specialists. Occasionally, we manage to bring in specialists from mainland France, 3 to 4 times a year. This allows us to treat certain diseases affecting our horses. They come with equipment, such as radiology, which we do not have locally or that is not functioning.
Benoît Bonfils, president of the La Martingale equestrian association
The WNV is considered “the second most widespread flavivirus, after that of dengue“, according to the Guadeloupe/Saint-Barthélemy/Saint-Martin Regional Health Agency (ARS). And, like dengue, it is mainly transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes, notably to humans.
The insects inherited this plague by biting a migratory bird.
It turns out that people and animals, even if they carry the disease, cannot themselves be vectors to other individuals.
The virus is being closely monitored locally, particularly by the Directorate of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (DAAF). To evaluate its level of viral circulation, several surveys have been conducted in the equestrian centers of the archipelago.
This year, it was in Lamentin that the first case of an infected horse was identified.
On June 12, a veterinarian was called to Lamentin to intervene on an equid that showed neurological signs, hyperthermia, reduced appetite, and ataxia. A blood sample was taken. It was sent to the CIRAD laboratory and, after confirmation at the reference laboratory in Maison Alfort, West Nile was found, and the case was declared positive.
Aurélie Lebon, head of the health and protection of animals, plants, and the environment department at the DAAF of Guadeloupe
Aurélie Lebon, head of the health and protection of animals, plants, and the environment department at the DAAF of Guadeloupe.
Since then, other cases have been detected in different municipalities of the archipelago. The territory currently counts about fifteen cases.
In most cases, the animal will recover in 20 to 30 days. After recovery, it will have long-term active immunity. Unfortunately, in some cases, when the animal shows really significant clinical signs that sometimes have consequences, such as falls, there have been deaths.
Aurélie Lebon, head of the health and protection of animals, plants, and the environment department at the DAAF of Guadeloupe
The West Nile virus is said to be “notifiable“. Thus, any cases known by a veterinarian or a laboratory must be reported to the DAAF.
The recommended treatment is simply “supportive therapy“, based on the clinical signs presented by the animal.
“Vaccination works very well“, specifies Aurélie Lebon. Doses have been ordered by veterinarians. Individuals can therefore request it to protect their animals.
Another very effective measure : eliminating mosquito larval habitats.
The West Nile Virus Threat in Guadeloupe: Trends and Future Considerations
The West Nile Virus (WNV) has been a persistent issue in Guadeloupe for over two decades, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventative measures. Recently, equine deaths attributed to the virus have drawn public attention, emphasizing its impact not only on animal health but also on human health, with a notable case of human infection reported this August.
As the virus continues to pose risks, particularly to horses, equestrian centers like La Martingale are actively implementing mosquito control strategies and health monitoring practices. These actions are critical as many horses can be asymptomatic carriers, complicating early detection and response efforts.
One emerging trend is the proposed improvement in veterinary resources in Guadeloupe. Currently, the region lacks equine specialists, relying instead on general practitioners. This gap could hinder effective management of outbreaks. Advocates are calling for specialized veterinary services to improve disease monitoring and treatment capabilities.
Another aspect of this evolving situation is community involvement in WNV prevention. As awareness grows, horse owners are becoming more proactive about vaccinations and protective measures. The health authorities recommend vaccinations as effective means of safeguarding equines against WNV, which might also cultivate a culture of responsibility among pet owners.
Furthermore, the interplay of climate change and disease transmission is likely to influence future trends. Higher temperatures and increased humidity create favorable conditions for mosquito proliferation, potentially escalating WNV outbreaks. Consequently, public health strategies may need to incorporate climate data into their disease forecasting models to prepare and respond effectively to future threats.
Lastly, educational campaigns will play a vital role in enhancing community resilience against vector-borne diseases like WNV. By educating residents about prevention tactics, signs of infection in animals, and the importance of early veterinary intervention, authorities can foster a more informed populace that actively participates in combating the spread of the virus.