Wisconsin Ag Connection - Now is the Time to Vaccinate Horses for EEE, WNV

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Now is the Time to Vaccinate Horses for EEE, WNV
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/28/2017

An equine specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture says mosquitoes will soon be here to spread two diseases among horses that can be eliminated by vaccination.

Dr. Julie McGwin reminds horse owners that Wisconsin had 19 confirmed cases of Eastern equine encephalitis last year, and seven cases of West Nile virus.

"Until we see our first mosquito, it's easy to forget about vaccinations against these diseases," Dr. McGwin said. "We've seen the sun emerge to warm things up and the mosquito population will multiply before you know it."

Horses require two doses of the vaccinations initially, and then boosters at least annually to fight against Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.

McGwin encourages horse owners to work with their local veterinarian to establish a vaccination program.

Both WNV and EEE are caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, and both may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Both viruses can be fatal to horses. Symptoms are similar for both diseases: depression, appetite loss, drooping eyelids and lower lip, fever, weakness, twitching, paralysis or lack of coordination, aimless wandering, circling and blindness.

Other Wisconsin Headlines