Cases of Deadly Equine Disease (EEE) Double

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The number of counties with horses testing positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has mushroomed to 17-the widest dispersion of the virus in recent memory, according to veterinarian Sandra Norman, Equine Director for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. Laboratories have reported 24 test-positive horses this year.

"Typically, in years when we receive reports of EEE, we see them clustered in the most northern counties in Indiana, particularly on the western side of the state," Dr. Norman said. "Michigan reports cases nearly every year."

Counties with EEE-positive horses this year include: Dekalb, Elkhart, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Adams, Putnam, Boone, Howard, Daviess, Steuben, Noble, Rush, Jay, LaGrange, Decatur, Hendricks and Kosciusko.

Because the virus is carried by mosquitoes, new EEE-positives will likely surface up to-and even slightly beyond-freezing temperatures that will kill the flying pest populations.

For currently unvaccinated horses, a vaccine given now may be too late to offer protection this season; an animal's immune system will build gradually after two doses, administered three weeks to six weeks apart.

"But vaccinating now is certainly better than not at all-plus it gives the horses a jump-start for protection next year," added Dr. Norman. "EEE should be part of a horse's annual health regimen."

Meanwhile, horse owners should take steps to protect their animals by eliminating potential breeding sites-even very small pools of water can harbor more mosquitoes. Horses should also be kept sheltered during high-activity flight times near dusk.

EEE is a mosquito-borne arbovirus that causes central nervous system problems in horses that cannot be cured. Horses are dead-end hosts for the disease and cannot spread the virus directly to humans (who are also susceptible); mosquitoes must feed from infected birds to spread the virus. Infected horses may exhibit a variety of central nervous system signs, such as seizures, as well as a fever. Owners should consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible to seek supportive care for their animals.

Source: Indiana Bureau of Animal Health

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