The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) on Friday announced the third case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a Virginia horse this year. The horse, a 19-week-old Racking filly, was from Chesapeake. Because of its young age, it had not been vaccinated yet. The horse was euthanized September 24 due to the severity of the illness.
All three cases of EEE this year have been in horses from Chesapeake. In mosquito-prone areas like this, most veterinarians recommend a six-month vaccination schedule to provide full protection from EEE, West Nile Virus (WNV)and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
Last year Virginia had one reported case of EEE, in a horse from Suffolk, and one of WNV. EEE has a mortality rate of 80 to 90 percent, so prevention is a key part of equine health. Vaccination and mosquito control/ avoidance are the central elements of prevention.
Horse owners will find more information on EEE at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals/eee.shtml. Or they may contact VDACS’ Office of the State Veterinarian at 804.692.0601 or consult their local veterinarian.
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