An 8-year-old mare in Aiken County, SC, was euthanized on December 2 after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), reports the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). The mare had been vaccinated for the disease. This is the 16th case of EEE in South Carolina in 2020.
EEE is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that affects the central nervous system of horses. Horses with EEE can have a fever, be depressed, have no interest in food or show difficulty swallowing. Additionally, the horse may have behavior changes like aggression or drowsiness, or walk circles, press his head or become blind.
Fatality rates for EEE are between 75 and 80 percent, with death occurring two to three days after clinical signs come on. Horses that survive may have residual impairment.
EEE vaccinations are available and significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, horse owners and caretakers should reduce mosquito populations as much as possible by removing standing water and applying insect repellent to equines.
Read more here.
For more information about EEE, visit AAEP.
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