Can infected dogs or cats be carriers (i.e., reservoirs) for West Nile virus and transmit the virus to humans?
A. West Nile virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. There is no documented evidence of person-to-person, animal-to-animal, or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile virus. Veterinarians should take normal infection control precautions when caring for an animal suspected to have this or any viral infection. Q. Can a dog or cat infected with West Nile virus infect other dogs or cats? A. No. There is no documented evidence that West Nile virus is transmitted from animal to animal. Q. Should a dog or cat infected with West Nile virus be destroyed? What is the treatment for an animal infected with West Nile virus? A. No. There is no reason to destroy an animal just because it has been infected with West Nile virus. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent. Prevention of West Nile virus and pesticide injury Q. What can I do if aerial or truck spraying of pest
