The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has confirmed two positive cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses in Covington and Mobile counties.

EEE, a mosquito-transmitted disease, is significantly more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). While the mortality rate in horses for WNV stands at around 30%, EEE has a mortality rate of nearly 90%, according to a news release.

Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate urged horse owners to vaccinate their animals against both EEE and WNV.

“Mosquito-borne viruses like EEE and WNV are prevalent in Alabama’s warm and wet climate,” Pate said in the release. “I want to encourage horse owners to take these precautionary measures and vaccinate their horses.”

Both EEE and WNV cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to central nervous system symptoms such as head pressing, convulsions, lack of response to facial stimulation, fever above 103 degrees, ataxia, paralysis, anorexia, depression and stupor. Additional symptoms can include irregular gait, teeth grinding, circling and staggering, though not all infected horses will exhibit every symptom.

“We recommend vaccinating your horses every six months against both EEE and WNV,” State Veterinarian Tony Frazier said. “Horse owners are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian to schedule a vaccination.”

Besides vaccination, ADAI advises horse owners to follow several preventative measures to reduce the risk of EEE and WNV:

• Reduce mosquito exposure: Use insect repellents, keep horses indoors during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk), and utilize fans to reduce mosquito landing rates.
• Eliminate standing water: Remove or regularly change standing water sources where mosquitoes can breed, such as water troughs, buckets and old tires.
• Monitor health: Regularly check horses for signs of illness and consult a veterinarian immediately if symptoms of EEE or WNV are observed.

For more information about EEE or WNV in animals, contact the State Veterinarian’s office at (334) 240-7253.