July 2013 Articles

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Vaccinate Horses!

Vaccinate Horses! Dr. Neely Walker and Dr. Christine Navarre LSU AgCenter
People are not the only ones affected by West Nile Virus (WNV) and other similar viruses – horses are too. There has been a recent rise in cases of WNV and Equine Eastern Encephalitis (EEE) in horses in Louisiana. This is unfortunate since vaccination is very effective in preventing these diseases in horses. WNV and EEE are often fatal. About one-third of horses who exhibit clinical signs of WNV infection, which is transmitted by mosquitos, will die or be euthanized. That number is much higher for EEE. Even if horses survive, many will exhibit residual effects – such as gait and behavioral abnormalities that last for months or years. Symptoms of WNV and EEE in horses include fever, weakness, wobbles, seizures, falling down and/or behavioral changes. These signs also can indicate other diseases, such as rabies, which can be transmitted to people. While WNV and EEE are not transmitted from horses to people, when horses get the disease it is an indication that the mosquito population is infected. To protect people, getting a diagnosis is critical when horses show any of the signs listed above. It takes two initial vaccinations then yearly boosters to protect horses. In high-risk areas of the U.S., semi-annual vaccination is recommended. It is best to get horses vaccinated well before mosquito season to get the best protection. However, it is not too late to get some protection started.