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Ohio Department of Agriculture
EEE Virus Confirmed
in Ohio Horse
REYNOLDSBURG (Aug. 24, 2017) A horse from Ashtabula County was recently
confirmed to have eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) by the Ohio
Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
The animal was euthanized in late July after showing neurological
symptoms. The animal was not vaccinated against the disease and lived
near a low-lying area that is typically prone to harboring mosquitoes.
EEE is often transmitted by mosquitoes and can be transmitted to
humans, however only a few cases are reported each year and most
infected persons report no apparent illness.
“The confirmation of EEE in Ohio serves as a reminder to horse owners
on the importance of vaccinating their animals,” said Dr. Tony Forshey,
State Veterinarian and chief of the ODA Division of Animal Health. “EEE
is one of a handful of illnesses that horses can be protected from
through vaccination and I encourage owners to talk to their
veterinarian and get horses vaccinated soon.”
EEE attacks the central nervous system of a horse. It appears within
five days after a mosquito transmits the virus and clinical signs of
illness are abrupt. Signs of EEE in horses include: fever, a sleepy
appearance, muscle twitches, weakness and a staggering walk. Often,
affected animals are unable to stand within hours of transmission and
die within a few days.
Horse owners are encouraged to ensure their animals have been
vaccinated, to remove standing water from near their home and increase
other mosquito control efforts. Veterinarians in Ohio have been alerted
of the confirmed test and are encouraged to notify ODA if they suspect
an animal has contracted EEE.
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