HORSE MANAGEMENT ARTICLES
Vaccinate Equine for mosquito-borne diseases NCDA Release –
August 2003
Mosquitoes pose a threat to humans and a deadly danger to horses and mules. This is due to the potential to transmit two mosquito borne illnesses, West Nile Fever and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, both found in North Carolina. Fortunately for horses and mules, there are approved vaccinations to help protect them against each of these diseases.
In 2002, the State Veterinarians office confirmed West Nile Virus infection in 29 equine across NC. Positive cases were found in Alamance, Beaufort, Brunswick, Currituck, Dare, Davidson, Duplin, Edgecomb, Gates, Iredell, Johnston, Nash, New Hanover, Pasquotank, Pender, Randolph, Robeson, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, and Warren counties. The West Nile Virus was confirmed in 76 counties through tests done on birds or mosquito pools, and is considered to be established in all regions of the state.
It is clear that West Nile is here to stay. In 40 states across the nation, a total of 14,717 equine were diagnosed with West Nile Virus last year, including every state bordering North Carolina and east of the Mississippi River.
Unvaccinated horses require two doses of the West Nile vaccine, given three weeks apart. Booster shots should be given at least annually, and possibly more often depending on the vaccination protocol prescribed by a veterinarian. The vaccination does not fully protect the animal until at least 3 to 6 weeks after the second booster shot.
Symptoms of WNV in horses can include loss of appetite and weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, convulsions, impaired vision or hyperexcitability.
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) has already been confirmed in four horses in three counties in NC. The early confirmation of the disease this year, which isn't usually found until August, is troubling to veterinarians and public health officials because it indicates that the disease may be widespread in the state.
EEE, often referred to as "sleeping sickness," has been confirmed in horses in Cumberland, Pender and Onslow counties. The unusually wet weather we have experienced since last fall has spawned heavy populations of mosquitoes, which are the primary transmitters of this disease; early indicators show that this could be the worst year we have had for EEE since 2000 with 18 confirmed cases. It is imperative that horse owners vaccinate their animals against this deadly disease. Already this year, South Carolina, and Georgia have confirmed dozens of cases and Florida has seen an explosion of cases.
Signs or symptoms of EEE in horses are usually noticed about five days after an infected mosquito bites them. 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. Most deaths occur within two to three days after symptoms appear. The symptoms of EEE are similar to those of rabies, making it essential that a definitive diagnosis is made.
There is no specific treatment for animals affected with EEE, making vaccinations essential to the prevention of the disease. The vaccination protocol consists of two vaccine injections 30 days apart, followed by booster shots every six months, preferably in the early spring and late summer or early fall.
The threat is real, so all equine owners can help protect their animals by vaccinating against West Nile and EEE. Consult a veterinarian about the appropriate vaccination program.
Protect yourself; limit your mosquito exposure through the use of repellents and protective stabling practices, particularly during the late afternoon and evening hours when mosquitoes are especially active. Also eliminate sources of standing water on their premises, which serve as breeding areas for mosquitoes.
For more information about EEE, WNV and more mosquito prevention tips, go to: www.ncagr.com/vet/DiseaseAlerts.htm
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