08/26/2024
Animal Health Alert
August 26, 2024
Equine Owners and Veterinarians Reminded to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Houston County Horses
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) received confirmation of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in two Houston County horses. These are the first reported cases of the mosquito-borne illness in Texas.
As a protective measure, veterinarians and equine owners are encouraged to consider vaccinating their horses against mosquito-borne illnesses such as EEE, western equine encephalitis (WEE), Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE), and West Nile Virus (WNV).
EEE, WEE, and VEE are reportable diseases to the TAHC. While WNV is not a reportable disease to the TAHC, it is recommended that horse owners consult with their veterinarian about protecting their horses against this illness. General disease information and how to protect horses from these mosquito-borne diseases of equine species can be found on the TAHC website and below.
WHAT IS EEE, WEE and VEE?
EEE, WEE and VEE are caused by alphaviruses and can cause severe brain inflammation in equine. The viruses are prevalent in birds and rodents, and unvaccinated horses are particularly susceptible. EEE is commonly found in the eastern United States and Canada, while WEE has not been detected in the United States since the late 1990s. VEE is found in Central and South America and occasionally in Mexico.
CLINICAL SIGNS
Infection causes non-specific clinical signs and often affects the central nervous system. Clinical signs may include:
Moderate to high fever 102.5-104.5oF
Severe depression, known as “sleeping sickness”
Behavior changes
Impaired vision
Circling or head pressing
Muscle twitches
Inability to swallow
Paralysis
Convulsions
Death
DIAGNOSIS
Equine owners or producers who suspect EEE, WEE, or VEE should contact their private veterinarian for evaluation. All confirmed diagnosis or suspected cases must be reported to the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242.
TRANSMISSION
EEE, WEE and VEE are most often transmitted by mosquitos after the insects have acquired the virus from birds and rodents. Humans are also susceptible when bitten by an infected mosquito, but direct horse-to-horse or horse-to-human transmission is very rare.
TREATMENT
Affected equine should be given supportive care based on the severity of their symptoms.
PREVENTION
The EEE, WEE and VEE vaccination, repeated at least annually, is very effective at preventing clinical disease. Private veterinarians should be consulted if equine are located or traveling to higher-risk areas, including near the border of Mexico. Higher-risk areas have year-round mosquito populations or have previously reported cases.
Owners and producers should reduce mosquito attractants, such as standing water, place fans inside where horses rest, limit equine’s outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, and use equine approved mosquito repellent.
ADDITIONAL VECTOR-BORNE EQUINE ENCEPHALITIDES INFORMATION
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/equine/eee-wee-vee/equine-encephalitis
VETERINARIAN INFORMATION
American Association of Equine Practitioners: https://aaep.org/resource/adult-horse-vaccination-chart/
HUMAN HEALTH INFORMATION
Texas Health and Human Services: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases/arboviral-encephalitides
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Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) | 2105 Kramer Lane | Austin, TX 78758 US
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Equine encephalitis viruses (Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan) are spread by infected mosquitos and can cause severe brain inflammation in horses and people.
