Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is urging horse owners to vaccinate their animals against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) as mosquito season begins in North Carolina.
“Mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina lasts from spring until the first frost and horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler stated. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent. However, both diseases are preventable by vaccination.”
Although there have been no cases of EEE or WNV reported so far this year, Troxler noted that five EEE cases and two WNV cases occurred last year.
State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin advises horse owners to consult their veterinarians on vaccination protocols to protect against mosquito-borne diseases. For horses, mules, and donkeys without prior vaccination, a combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections.
To reduce the chance of exposure, horse owners should eliminate standing water, keep horses indoors at night, use insect screens and fans, and turn off lights after dusk. Insect repellents can also be effective if used as instructed.
Symptoms of EEE in horses include impaired vision, aimless wandering, and in severe cases, death. WNV symptoms may include fever and paralysis of hind limbs. Both humans and birds can be infected through mosquito bites, but horses do not directly transmit these viruses.
Owners should also ensure their animals are up-to-date on equine infectious anemia testing, often called the Coggins test, and rabies vaccinations. Troxler added, “It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination. We have had a positive case of rabies in livestock already this year.”
