More Deadly than West Nile

With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries confirms two cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, in horses in Covington and Mobile counties. This mosquito-borne disease is more severe than West Nile Virus, with a mortality rate of nearly 90 percent in horses, compared to 30 percent for West Nile.

Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate strongly urges horse owners to vaccinate their animals against both EEE and West Nile Virus. “Mosquito-borne viruses are common in Alabama’s warm, wet climate,” he said. “Vaccination is the best protection against these deadly diseases.”

EEE and West Nile cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, with symptoms including head pressing, convulsions, high fever, and paralysis. State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier recommends vaccinating horses every six months. Horse owners should contact their local vet to schedule vaccinations.

To reduce the risk of these diseases, use insect repellents, keep horses indoors during peak mosquito activity, eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed, and monitor horse health closely. For more information, contact the State Veterinarian’s office at 334-240-7253.