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Deadly Virus Found In New York Mosquitoes

Aerial spraying of Oswego County, New York, has begun after Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) was found in the county's mosquito populations.

EEE is a rare virus spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, not just for horses, but for humans as well. The virus can cause brain swelling and is often fatal. The New York Department of Health reported EEE as an “imminent threat to public health.”

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Between two and five people die from EEE in the United States each year, report the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. In 2019, 19 people died from EEE.

Aerial pesticide spraying is a temporary measure to combat EEE and residents should remain diligent in their efforts to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

Anthrax: More Than A Bioterrorism Weapon, Just As Deadly For Horses

Most people know anthrax as a bioterrorism tool, but it can also harm livestock. Anthrax occurs naturally as a spore-forming bacterium in the soil in many parts of the United States. Once it is ingested or inhaled by an animal, the bacteria travels to lymph nodes, where it multiplies and circulates throughout the body.

Anthrax infection often gives no warning, making it an especially deadly disease. Though cattle are most often affected by the disease, horses can also be infected with anthrax. Horses that work with cattle, in competition or on a working ranch may be more at risk of anthrax exposure, according to a recent report by Quarter Horse News. Horses that live in cattle-abundant states, like Texas, may also be at additional risk of getting anthrax. Anthrax can remain viable in the soil for years if left undisturbed.

Anthrax has its deadly effects by not allowing blood to clot. Horses infected with anthrax may have a high heart rate, show signs of colic, and go off their feed. Some horses will have swelling, stagger while moving, or have seizures. Horses generally die between two and four days after developing anthrax signs and are usually diagnosed post-mortem.

If handlers suspect anthrax is the cause of a horse's illness, animal health officials should be notified because humans can contract anthrax through inhaling spores or through cuts in the skin.

Anthrax outbreaks often take place in areas that have alkaline soils or those that are exposed to extreme weather events, like drought followed by flooding. Wet winter weather followed by a dry spring and then heavy rainfall are perfect conditions for anthrax to thrive. Pastures with poor drainage and lots of organic matter are particularly at risk.

There is an anthrax vaccination available, but horse owners should discuss their horse and management strategies with a veterinarian before administering the vaccine, as there are other ways to prevent anthrax outbreaks. Horses living in anthrax-prone areas could be fed off the ground if conditions seem ripe for an anthrax outbreak. If horses have traveled through mucky areas or through areas where cattle have been, washing them with soap and water may lower anthrax risk.

Diarrhea: Deadly Or Just A Drag?

Equine enthusiasts are taught early in their foray into horse ownership that any type of abnormal hgorse stool is a concern—whether that means the horse has diarrhea or is not passing manure at all. Though no passing of manure is of great concern, diarrhea can be as well.

Changes in diet are the No. 1 cause of diarrhea; they can also be hardest to identify—and rectify. If a horse's diarrhea is bad enough to call the vet, there are two main possibilities: that the horse has a chronic issue that will be very hard to find and treat or that the horse is very sick and could infect other horses in his barn or pasture.

Diarrhea occurs when the digestive tract is not working properly; in particular, when there is a disruption in the large intestine. The large intestine can absorb as much as 30 gallons of water a day; when it can't absorb the water, it is excreted in manure.

Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease—it can occur when a horse eats too many carbohydrates or when he has ingested too much sand. Diarrhea can be a symptom of something minor to life-threatening. But how to tell which is which? Questions to help decide if the horse's health is at risk include:

Is he uncomfortable? If the horse is pawing or looking at his flanks and acting colicky, the situation may be serious.
Does the horse have a fever? This could indicate he has an infection, which is more serious.
How long has the horse had diarrhea? Acute-onset diarrhea is more concerning that a low-grade diarrhea that's been present for months.
Has he been around another horse that has diarrhea? This increases his risk of infection.
Does lab work show a low white cell count or a decrease in proteins? These are concerning.

If the vet doesn't feel that his condition is life threatening, she may suggest adjusting the horse's diet. Many vets believe horses are susceptible to orchard grass hay and suggest eliminating it from the horse's diet to see if the diarrhea clears up. Removing NSAIDs and antibiotics from a horse's management can also help (if possible).

Proper parasite control is key, and investigating the use of prebiotics or probiotics won't hurt. Additionally, protecting the tissue of the affiliated horse's intestinal tract is also important: Using products designed sooth tissues, like those that contain smectite clay or bismuth subsalicylate, are worth investigating to try to get his diarrhea under control.