2010 07 16 Eastern Equine Encephalitis - Louisiana

A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases

Date: Tue 13 Jul 2010
Source: The Advocate (edited)

A 3-year-old horse in St James Parish was euthanized after authorities discovered Monday [12 Jul 2010] that it had eastern equine encephalitis [EEE] and West Nile virus, state agriculture officials said Tuesday [13 Jul 2010].

The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Baton Rouge confirmed EEE and West Nile virus in the mare, officials with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said in a statement.

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain said in the statement that both illnesses are "very preventable diseases."

"All horse owners should keep their equine vaccinations up to date and consult a veterinarian if their animals are displaying any unusual neurological signs," Strain said in the statement.

He said horse owners, at a minimum, should vaccinate against tetanus, EEE, western equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and rabies.

Agriculture officials said the diseases affect the brain. Signs could include depression, lack of coordination, walking in circles, facial twitching, and other neurological anomalies.

An infected horse eventually collapses to the ground, agriculture officials said.

(editorial note) Mosquitoes need to be controlled in barns and repellent used on the animals.

It is the season for eastern equine encephalitis, and if you have not yet vaccinated your horses you are advised to do so at once. -