North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Encourages Vaccination
As spring approaches and mosquito season ramps up, North Carolina’s Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is urging horse owners to take action. Vaccinating your horse against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) is the best way to protect them from these potentially deadly diseases.
The Threat is Real
EEE is a rare but extremely serious illness, with a nearly 90% fatality rate in horses. WNV, while less deadly (around 30% fatality rate in unvaccinated horses), can still cause significant illness. Both diseases are spread by mosquito bites, making prevention crucial.
Vaccination is Key
The good news is that both EEE and WNV can be prevented with vaccination. Commissioner Troxler emphasizes the importance of annual vaccinations to keep your horse safe.
Beyond Vaccination: Reducing Mosquito Exposure
Here are some additional steps you can take to minimize your horse’s risk of mosquito bites:
- Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in any stagnant water source. Empty containers, troughs, and clean up any puddles around your barn and property.
- Strategic stabling: Consider keeping your horse indoors during peak mosquito feeding times (dawn and dusk).
- Physical barriers: Use insect screens and fans in your barn to deter mosquitoes.
- Light management: Turn off unnecessary lights after dusk to make your property less attractive to mosquitoes.
- Horse repellents: Explore horse-safe insect repellents following manufacturer’s instructions.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Knowing the symptoms of EEE and WNV can help you identify potential problems early. Here’s a quick reference:
- EEE: Impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions, and death.
- WNV: Fever, weakness or paralysis (especially hind limbs), impaired vision, head pressing, seizures, and aimless wandering.
Remember: If you suspect your horse may have EEE or WNV, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Together, we can protect our horses from these mosquito-borne diseases!
