A new case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Holmes County has been confirmed. The two year old, unvaccinated Arabian had not been off the property in at least 9 months. Clinical signs began September 10th and the horse was euthanized due to poor prognosis.
Eastern equine encephalitis fatality rate 90% in horses
Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus attacks the central nervous system and unvaccinated horses are very susceptible to the infection with the disease appearing within five days after a mosquito transmits the virus to the horse.
The case was confirmed positive on September 21st. This is the second confirmed case in Holmes County and the 19th positive in Florida since the beginning of the year.
EEE virus attacks the central nervous system and unvaccinated horses are very susceptible to the infection. The disease appears within five days after a mosquito transmits the virus to the horse. Onset of clinical symptoms are abrupt and infected horses often die within three days.
The fatality rate is 90% or higher and an animal that survives the disease may have brain damage.
Other diseases and poisoning may have similar symptoms. It is important that a speedy diagnosis is made. A veterinarian can take blood samples to send to a diagnostic laboratory.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Sleepy appearance
- Muscle twitches in head, neck, shoulder and flanks
- Staggering gait
- Recumbency
Causes
EEE occurs in a wide variety of songbirds, including the blue jay, chickadee, cardinal, tufted titmouse and catbird. Mosquitoes that inhabit marshes and wooded wetlands, named Culiseta melanura,transmit the virus from bird to bird and also to horses and people.
Horses get Eastern Equine Encephalitis when they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the EEE virus.
During years of outbreaks, mosquito species other than Culiseta melanura become involved in the transmission cycle. EEE cases in horses usually begin to appear in mid- to late-summer and increase in the fall.