Mosquito Season Brings Serious Risks for Horses

As warmer temperatures arrive across the Southeast, mosquito activity is increasing and bringing added health risks for horses. Animal health officials are encouraging horse owners to vaccinate their animals against Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, and West Nile Virus, two mosquito borne diseases that can cause serious neurological illness.

West Nile Virus typically appears during mosquito season, which runs from summer through fall. Both viruses can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord in horses. EEE is considered the more severe disease, with a mortality rate near 90 percent in horses, while West Nile kills about 30 percent of infected animals.

“Unfortunately, mosquito-borne viruses like EEE and WNV are prevalent in Alabama’s warm and wet climate. Vaccinating is critical to protect horses and ourselves,” said Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate.

Veterinarians recommend vaccinating horses every six months and reducing standing water around barns and pastures to help limit mosquito exposure.