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Alabama horse owners are being urged to vaccinate against Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus after several positive cases of EEE have been found in birds and horses since June.
Two horses that tested positive for EEE were in Mobile and Washington Counties. Birds that have been positive for EEE were in Lee County.
“We are entering into the time of year that makes us extremely vulnerable to the spread of mosquito-borne viruses and we need to protect our livestock and ourselves,” said John McMillan, commissioner of Alabama’s Agriculture & Industries. “I want to encourage horse owners to vaccinate their horses for both EEE and West Nile Virus as soon as possible.”
EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is much more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30 percent, while the rate for EEE is almost 90 percent.
Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for EEE. The virus causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord. General symptoms include central nervous system signs such as: head pressing, convulsions, lack of response to facial stimulation, fever above 103 degrees, ataxia, paralysis, anorexia, depression and stupor.
Other symptoms may include irregular gait, teeth grinding, in-coordination, circling, and staggering. All symptoms may not be exhibited by an infected horse.
McMillan and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier recommend vaccinating horses every six months against both EEE and WNV. The public is also advised to make every effort to reduce human exposure to mosquitoes during this time of year.
Local News
July 15, 2012
Owners urged to vaccinate horses for EEE, West Nile
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