Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has a 90 percent fatality rate for horses that contract this virus, which is transmitted by infected mosquitos.
Fall season - Time to vaccinate horses
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is completely preventable with a vaccination, and since immunity only lasts between six and 12 months, owners are encouraged to have their horses vaccinated every spring and fall.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey has confirmed at least four cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses in Ashtabula and Trumbull Counties and is urging horse owners to contact their veterinarian to ensure the animal’s EEE vaccine and boosters are up to date.
“The most effective way to prevent EEE in horses is to have the animal vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian,” said Dr. Forshey. “Taking steps to manage the mosquito population, such as eliminating standing water, will also aid in the prevention of EEE and other vector-borne viruses that cause illness in horses and in people.”
In addition, Ohio State Equine Field Service veterinarian Dr. Jon Yardley is recommending vaccinating against this disease.
EEE is completely preventable with a vaccination, and since immunity only lasts between six and 12 months, owners are encouraged to have their horses vaccinated every spring and fall.
In Ohio, the vaccine is available through licensed veterinarians, including the Equine Field Service of the Galbreath Equine Center at the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center. Appointments for horses in the Central, OH area can be made by calling 614-292-6661, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For horses in west-Central Ohio, contact the Ohio State Large Animal Service in Marysville, OH at 937-642-2936.
Horse owners in other areas should check with their local veterinarians about getting their horses vaccinated against deadly mosquito-borne illnesses.
The virus cannot spread to or from horses to other horses, people or other animals, and therefore people will not get sick from handling or being around an infected horse. People can contract the disease from infected mosquitos.
Common EEE symptoms according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Division of Animal Industry and the Centers for Disease Control include:
- Muscle tremors
- Stumbling
- Depressed attitude
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
- Loss of appetite
- High fever
Owners should seriously consider vaccinating their horses before any symptoms arise, since the unchecked disease poses such a high risk of fatality. Additional modes of prevention listed by the NYSDOA include removing any standing water in areas that mosquitos have access, using insect repellents and evacuating animals from spaces with mosquitos when they are most active, which is typically from dusk to dawn.