NC Commissioner Steve Troxler: Time for EEE and West Nile Vaccinnations

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Equine owners are reminded there is still time to get their animals vaccinated against Triple E (EEE) and West Nile Virus. We typically see our first cases of these mosquito-borne illnesses around mid-July.

  • Summer is a fun time of year when people spend more time outdoors, but it also brings some unwelcomed pests – namely mosquitoes.
  • Not only are mosquitoes people pests, but they can cause significant problems for equine.
  • Equine owners still have time to have their animals vaccinated against Triple E and West Nile Virus, two mosquito-borne illnesses that can be fatal for horse, donkeys and mules.
  • Triple E is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and West Nile Virus has a 30 percent fatality rate.
  • We typically see our first cases of these illnesses around mid-to-late July, so there is time for vaccinations to take effect.
  • Equine owners are encouraged to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinations because the protocols differ for animals that have never been vaccinated compared to those that have.
  • Fewer Triple E and West Nile Virus cases in 2019 seem to indicate equine owners did a good job of vaccinating their animals. I hope they will continue with the vaccination protocols because they are effective.
  • The best ways to reduce the risk of exposure include:
    • reducing standing water,
    • keeping horses in stalls at night,
    • using insect screens and fans,
    • and turning lights off after dusk can help reduce the risk of animals being exposed.
  • The symptoms for Triple E and West Nile Virus are similar.
  • Both include impaired vision, head pressing, paralysis and aimless wandering.
  • Equine with Triple E can also show signs of circling, irregular staggering gait, an inability to swallow, convulsions and death.
  • Other West Nile Virus symptoms include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs and seizures.
  • If equine owners see any of these symptoms, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
  • People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.
  • And while owners are having vaccinations done, they may want to consider having equine vaccinated against rabies as well. We usually see about five cases of rabies in livestock each year.
  • Because horses are naturally curious, it increases their risk for a bite if a rabid animals gets through their fence line.