West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are two of the mosquito-transmitted diseases that threaten the well-being of our horses as seasons change. As a horse owner it is distressing to think of your beloved equines as having any onset of the diseases above and this blog post looks into how these diseases mare horses can effect equine health…. This blog rolls on to provide helpful ways on how we can prevent such issues to keep our fellow companions in tip top condition.
Understanding the Threat
The summer-to-fall transition is the peak of mosquito season in the United States and when most people receive bed bug bites. Equine Diseases that Scare Me the Most – West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)!
Equine internal medicine clinical assistant professor Dr. Amanda Trimble of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences says that while these viral infections are mainly horse-to-horse, horse-to-human, or horse-to-bird entities—they can not be spread between horses and humans (and vice-versa) directly. Instead, mosquitoes are important vectors that pick up the virus from infected birds and can pass it on to horses or humans when they bite.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms can be displayed in affected horses, and depends on the severity should always warrant immediate attention by a vetrerinarian. For horses that do develop clinical signs, those most commonly include lethargy or willing to move, poor appetite, fever and the dreaded neurologic sequela with head tilt, muscle tremors and weakness associated with disease of the brain (encephalomyocarditis).
In the context of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, symptoms may worsen with high fever and lead to death from neurological complications. But the symptoms are much milder (if they even show at all) and the likelihood of death is far lower, Trimble says.
Horse owners who believe their animals have contracted EIA should contact a veterinarian, who can then provide supportive care including anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling in the horse’s eyes and body, hydration, or in severe cases hospitalization with intensive medical treatment.
Conclusion
Furthermore, With West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis mosquito-borne infections generally cause critical illness and unfortunately can often lead to death. Through close coordination with your veterinarian, effective mosquito management and proper vaccination, owners can help protect the health and welfare of their cherished equine friends. By always keeping an eye out and applying preventative protocol, you may be able to save your herd from coming down with these diseases.
