Please see below a letter from Dr. Robert Kerr, Program Veterinarian, NS Dept. of Agriculture...



Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has recently been diagnosed in a horse from the south shore area of Nova Scotia. While this represents the first diagnosis of this disease in Nova Scotia that we are aware of, it has been recently reported in horses in Maine and Quebec. This disease is caused by a virus that is present in wild birds, most commonly along the eastern seaboard of the United States. It has also been identified in Ontario. This virus can be spread to horses by insects, usually mosquitoes.

It is important to point out that once a horse becomes infected, it cannot spread the disease directly to other horses or to other susceptible species. It is very uncommon for horses to produce enough of this virus in their bloodstream to infect insects. In general, mosquitoes must feed on infected birds to transmit the disease.

There are vaccines available for this disease, but they must be given well in advance of exposure to infected mosquitoes. As this is the first time that EEE has been diagnosed in Nova Scotia, we don’t know how widespread the virus is in birds or mosquitoes. We do know that the risk of infection will decline as cold weather reduces the insect population. In the meantime, horse owners should talk to their veterinarians regarding insect control measures that could be taken.

It is also recommended that horse owners talk to their veterinarian if they suspect that their horse has contracted this disease. Signs of this disease include fever, changes in behavior, and lack of coordination. In more serious cases, paralysis and death can occur. With horses showing these signs, it is very important that veterinarians are consulted so that other diseases such as rabies are ruled out.


Regards,

Rob

Dr. Robert Kerr
Program Veterinarian
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
Hancock Veterinary Building
65 River Road
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
Tel (902) 893-3491
Fax (902) 895-6684

it is also posted under health...

A friend of mines pony they think had it but I don't think it was diagnosed for sure.

Peeskky mosquitos...

I plan on getting the 5-Way Vaccine next year for my lot to make sure my bases are covered, only a matter of time because it is more common in the area!

did anybody catch the news this evening???

yea I saw it. I don't think I would worry about EEE that much it's pretty rare

Well I am doing all mine now with the 5 and will booster them also in 3 weeks and do the again in may before the bugs get bad..

I agree CJ, mine are having their booster today. With 3 confirmed cases (1 by autopsy & 2 by blood work...also another autopsy result expected today) this close I am not taking the chance.

I heard there was something on the news too, but I didn't catch it. Did anyone else?

Horses at my work are getting their booster this week.

What is the name of the vaccine they get for this? I think my horses already have it but can't remember for sure.

Fluvac Innovator 5, Fluvac Innovator 4 & Fluvac WTE all cover EEE. If the horses has been done regular it is good for 6 months. If they were not boostered it is good for about 3 months. Just had my guys booster yesterday and the vet said because they were previously done it would take about 3 days for it to be in their system.

Initially I think ours was mixed in with our Tetanus shot. I will find out tomorrow.

Sure seems like the number of casualties is increasing quickly...

Equiloid Innovator is the vaccine that covers EEE, WEE, and Tetanus.