TerFisIL, very interesting question and right up my alley. The west nile virus is spread through infected mosquitos, we're all aware of that. Although horses can and do become infected through the bite of the mosquito, cases of horses dying are rare. Deaths do occur but are are quite low in number compared to those that have contracted WNV either through the actual bite of a mosquito or through studies being conducted now across the country. Obviously most who own horses do vaccinate for varients of the Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalitis. (A totally different disease). Thier is a vaccine for WNV that was just recently released.
The interesting thing is, that non-infected mosquitos that fed on infected horses in one study showed no sign of becoming infected themselves, and there has been no clinical proof that a horse, or any other animal for that matter can transmit the disease to each other. Hence, though studies are continuing, it appears as if birds are the hosts and mosquitos are the carriers. For now anyway. Studies are ongoing to see if other mammals like bats, squirrels, raccoons and others have the potential of becoming carriers.
If you have large die-offs of crows, doves or any other bird, make sure you contact your local Vector Control District or agency, this could be very valuable in determining the presence of WNV in your area. WNV is apparently pretty lethal to crows. Other birds also have the potential to become carriers, bluejays, ravens, magpies and numerous others are thought to be carrier candidates. Waterfowl are also thought to be endangered. I think about 200 species have been documented to be infected with WNV, including popular game birds like ducks and wild turkey.
Onto the coyote. Yes, their has been cases where dogs and cats have been infected. Could the coyote population be affected? Probably, but I don't know if any studies are being conducted for that species. The studies these days are concentrated on horses, birds and the mosquito. I think it would be safe to say yes, coyotes are probably in danger. I think that the coyote population is actually increasing in the east though..at least this is what I've read. WNV has become entrenched in many parts of the east. Will it have any effect on coyote populations?...hmmm. Here in the west, it's yet to be seen. It's difficult for mosquitos to breed where water is scarce, like our deserts out here that are parched most of the year. Cities will suffer if precautions aren't taken. Obviously coyote populations survive in large and small cities, so I imagine the threat to coyotes is there.
Are we in danger of contracting WNV from coyotes and crows and whatever else? Studies say a big "maybe, maybe not". A coyote COULD become infected by eating the remains of an infected bird though. It's entirely possible. I normally do and I would suggest anyone else that could possibly handle a dead coyote or anything for that matter take precautions. A surgical glove while cleaning your game should always be utilized. Cooking game will kill the WNV. No wild sushi from now on. It's possible that the coyote could become a host for the disease. Rabies and lyme disease is often found in coyotes, so I certainly hope people are being careful.
We continue to monitor the bird populations in Southern California. Although we have had cases of WNV in people here, we have yet to collect any specimens that have been shown to be carrying. A concern though, the typical mosquito is found to be very active in the early morning and late afternoon hours, offering us at least a time to be more vigilant...guess what...with the introduction of a mosquito from asia, notably one that was found in numerous containers containing bamboo, a mosquito called the Tiger Mosquito, this particular mosquito is active not only during the early and evening, but also during the heat of the day. Distribution of this mosquito I believe is just here on the west coast, disburtion anywhere else I have no clue. I'm sorry but I really don't have too much data on Illinois. I know you've had cases.
Right now, the transmittal of the WNV is contained, but only because of weather conditions. As soon as things start to heat up, around May or so..things could get serious. I'd suggest the use of mosquito reppelent, one that contains DEET be used.
I know this is getting long, but it's my area of...not expertise, but my area of involvement lets say. What you need to do is prevent mosquitos from breeding. This can be done very easily by not allowing any standing water on your property. Mosquitos can breed in water only a 1/4 of an inch deep. A larvacide is used by Vector Control Agencies called "Bti" (bacillus thuringensis)..it's a larval growth inhibitor. Bti is used extensively in ponds, flood control channels and back bays. Another form of mosquito control is done by using a very dilluted form of oil. This strengthens the surface tension of water, prohibiting the mosquito larva from breathing. Mosquito larva have a breathing tube that they use to breathe, they break the surface, breathe, then back under, repeating. This oil prevents that and they die from lack of oxygen. This is the form of control used when the mosquito goes from larva to pupa. Bti doesn't work as a growth inhibitor at this stage.
Ok,...geeez.... I've bored everyone enough. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif