In the wake of Hurricane Irene and an active tropical storm season, several states along the east coast and in the southeast have reported record rain fall for the month of August. Saturated grounds and regional flooding is causing problems with standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Animal Health experts warn that fatal cases of eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile are being reported in numerous states. To help prevent the spread of additional cases, Pfizer Animal Health is strongly encouraging horse owners and veterinarians to follow the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines for vaccinations against mosquito-borne diseases and vaccine label directions.
“Historically, eastern equine encephalitis has primarily been reported in the south and southeastern parts of the country,” said Kevin Hankins, DVM, MBA, Equine Veterinary Services at Pfizer Animal Health. “However, in 2010 we saw a rise in cases of mosquito-borne diseases across the northern states including New York, Michigan and Maine. Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile cases once again are being reported to health officials, therefore we encourage horse owners to take preventative measures and get their horses vaccinated.”
According to the United States Geological Survey, 22 cases of eastern equine encephalitis have been confirmed. Eleven of those were reported in New York State, where areas are still recovering from devastating flooding after Hurricane Irene hit the region on August 27-28, 20111. Similarly, as of September 6, there have been 21 cases of West Nile reported in 13 states, from California to Texas to North Dakota and New York.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners says that Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Western equine encephalitis virus and West Nile virus are considered core vaccinations for horses, along with tetanus and rabies. Though annual vaccinations should happen in early spring, the AAEP also recommends boosters after five or six months in areas with high mosquito expsure.
Pfizer Animal Health offers a trusted line of equine vaccines, including WEST NILE-INNOVATOR® and the Mosquito Shot ™ (WEST NILE-INNOVATOR® + EWT), which helps protect against eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis and West Nile in a single vaccine. The WEST NILE-INNOVATOR vaccines, along with other Pfizer Animal Health equine vaccine combinations, are included in the Equine Immunization Support Guarantee (ISG).
The Pfizer Animal Health Equine Immunization Support Guarantee program provides up to $5,000 for reasonable diagnostic and treatment costs if a horse properly vaccinated by a veterinarian contracts the corresponding equine disease.
Disease protection backed by the Equine Immunization Support Guarantee includes infection from West Nile virus, equine influenza virus, tetanus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Vaccinations must be performed by a licensed veterinarian with an established client-patient relationship to be eligible.
In addition to vaccinations, experts advise to reduce or eliminate standing water around the farm. A few effective steps to remove standing water includes disposing of any old tires, buckets, cans, or anything laying around that can collect water.
Turn wheel barrows over when not in use. Clean debris from rain guttersand stock ponds or wading pools with mosquito-eating fish. Fill or drain ditches and swampy areas, and other soil depressions. Eliminate standing water and seepage around watering troughs. Also, it’s a good idea to clean buckets and watering troughs frequently and refill with fresh water.
“When there is this much rain and flooding eliminating standing water can be challenging,” said Hankins. “It’s important as horse owners to manage what we can, while working with a veterinarian to ensure the horses are current on their vaccinations.”
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic products. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development than any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit www.us.animalhealth.pfizer.com.
All brands are the property of their respective owners. © 2011 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.