Equine Cases of EEE and WNV in Virginia
Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Virginia's state veterinarian confirmed on Wednesday (July 24) the
first cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus
(WNV) in horses this year. The EEE-positive horse was from Suffolk and
was euthanatized because of its illness on June 26. The WNV-positive
horse is from Rockingham County, and developed clinical signs on June
23. That horse has since recovered. In 2006, there were no equine cases
of EEE in Virginia, and only one case of WNV in a Virginia equine, in
Suffolk.
The state veterinarian urges horse owners to
vaccinate all equines every six to twelve months against these
diseases. This is particularly important in the southeastern region of
Virginia, where many equine veterinarians already recommend the
six-month vaccination interval.
Generally, both EEE and WNV
are transmitted by mosquitoes. Typical clinical signs include
staggering, circling, depression, loss of appetite, and sometimes fever
and blindness. There is no cure for the disease (only supportive care),
but it can be prevented through vaccination. Other prevention methods
include destroying standing water breeding sites for mosquitoes, use of
insect repellents, and removing animals from mosquito-infested areas
during peak biting times, usually dusk to dawn.
For more
information, Virginia residents should contact the Office of the State
Veterinarian at (804) 692-0601 or consult their local veterinarians.
