Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis Found in Eastern North Carolina

North Carolina’s Office of the State Veterinarian and the Center for Disease Control were notified August 18^th that one horse in eastern North Carolina had tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE).  Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of all members of the equine species.  EEE is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning humans may also contract the disease.  Healthy adults who contract EEE may show flu-like symptoms including high fever and headaches, while older adults and children may become severely ill.  Death may result in cases involving both equine and humans.  The equine mortality rate due to EEE ranges from 75 to 90 percent.

Equine infected with EEE may show signs that include fever, depression, loss of appetite, irritability, weakness, excitability,  central nervous system disorders (ie. circling, lack of coordination, head pressing, the tell-tale “saw horse” stance, sensitivity to light, and blindness).  In rare instances, horses have been known to show no signs of the disease prior to death.

Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis is spread when a mosquito feeds on an infected horse, then moves on to a healthy horse.  Dr. Ray, Director of Livestock Health Programs for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Veterinary Division noted that in many years we would have had one or more cases of the disease prior to early August and, that recent rains following drought conditions in eastern North Carolina may be partially responsible for the presence of the disease.

The best way to protect your equine against EEE is to keep their vaccinations up-to-date.  Work with your veterinarian to be sure your horses are vaccinated annually.  In addition, measures to limit mosquito populations will help decrease spread of the disease.  It is also important that horse owners report to a veterinarian, any cases in which signs of EEE are observed.  While a few cases of the disease are reported in North Carolina annually, it is thought that many more cases go unreported.  Reporting any suspicious signs to your veterinarian may save other equine and possibly human lives.