A Suffolk, Virginia horse was euthanized after testing positive for EEE

A Virginia Arabian Mare tested positive for EEE.Photo byYvon HoogersonUnsplash

Virginia horses need vaccinations

EQUUS reports that an unvaccinated Arabian mare in Suffolk, Virginia, was euthanized after he tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). On July 9, the horse developed clinical symptoms, including fever, tachycardia, depression, severe ataxia, and facial paralysis. On July 12, the horse tested positive for EEE.

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans.

Veterinarians recommend that all horses in the US receive annual commercially available licensed vaccines against EEE. However, recommendations vary in high-risk locations. If you own horses in Virginia, it's not too late to have them vaccinated.