Mosquito Season Alert: Protect Your Horses from Deadly Viruses
Heads up to horse owners in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama—mosquito season is here, and so is the risk of serious disease.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is urging horse owners to vaccinate against both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis—EEE. These mosquito-borne diseases can cause severe neurological damage in horses. West Nile has a 30% mortality rate, while EEE is nearly always fatal.
Commissioner Rick Pate says Alabama’s warm, wet climate makes prevention critical. That starts with vaccinating your horses every six months.
Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier says it’s best to work with your local vet to make sure your animals are protected.
Also take steps to reduce mosquito exposure—eliminate standing water, use repellents, and, if applicable, keep horses indoors during dawn and dusk.
Humans can’t catch these viruses from horses or poultry, but mosquitoes can still transmit them to people. So this is a good reminder to protect yourself as well.
