Equine owners need to be aware of the signs of this and other mosquito-borne viruses and watch their animals closely.â
€�
EEE, often referred to as “sleeping sickness,� is transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito. Humans can
also contract the virus through a bite from an infected mosquito, as documented by two cases in North Carolina in 2000.
There is no evidence of horse-to-human transmission, so owners caring for a sick animal are not at risk from handling or
touching the animal.
Signs or symptoms of EEE in horses are usually noticed about five days after an animal is bitten. Initially, horses are
depressed and quiet. Other signs include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow,
irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions, and death.
There is no specific treatment for animals affected with EEE. Between 50 and 90 percent of equine infected with EEE will
die, while those that recover are often permanently impaired, said State Veterinarian Dr. David Marshall. Most deaths
occur within two to three days after symptoms appear.
There are a number of steps equine owners can take to protect their animals including vaccinations, the use of insect
repellants and protective stabling practices.
“Vaccinations are highly effective in preventing the spread of this virus and I strongly recommend owners check to
make sure their equines’ vaccinations are current and up to date,� Marshall said. “It’s inexpensive
insurance that should always be included in an equine preventive health program.�
Equine owners should contact their veterinarians about the vaccine, which is readily available. An initial vaccination
consists of two vaccine injections 30 days apart. It is recommended that booster vaccinations be given every six months,
preferably in the early spring and late summer or early fall.
Additionally, horse owners should eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, including areas of standing water,
empty containers, used tires, clogged gutters, and unused pools. Horses should be housed indoors during dusk and dawn,
which are periods of peak mosquito activity, and incandescent lighting should be minimized in the stable at night. Wipe-on
insect repellents are also effective if used as directed by the manufacturer.
€�
EEE, often referred to as “sleeping sickness,� is transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito. Humans can
also contract the virus through a bite from an infected mosquito, as documented by two cases in North Carolina in 2000.
There is no evidence of horse-to-human transmission, so owners caring for a sick animal are not at risk from handling or
touching the animal.
Signs or symptoms of EEE in horses are usually noticed about five days after an animal is bitten. Initially, horses are
depressed and quiet. Other signs include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow,
irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions, and death.
There is no specific treatment for animals affected with EEE. Between 50 and 90 percent of equine infected with EEE will
die, while those that recover are often permanently impaired, said State Veterinarian Dr. David Marshall. Most deaths
occur within two to three days after symptoms appear.
There are a number of steps equine owners can take to protect their animals including vaccinations, the use of insect
repellants and protective stabling practices.
“Vaccinations are highly effective in preventing the spread of this virus and I strongly recommend owners check to
make sure their equines’ vaccinations are current and up to date,� Marshall said. “It’s inexpensive
insurance that should always be included in an equine preventive health program.�
Equine owners should contact their veterinarians about the vaccine, which is readily available. An initial vaccination
consists of two vaccine injections 30 days apart. It is recommended that booster vaccinations be given every six months,
preferably in the early spring and late summer or early fall.
Additionally, horse owners should eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, including areas of standing water,
empty containers, used tires, clogged gutters, and unused pools. Horses should be housed indoors during dusk and dawn,
which are periods of peak mosquito activity, and incandescent lighting should be minimized in the stable at night. Wipe-on
insect repellents are also effective if used as directed by the manufacturer.
EEE