Positive case of ‘extremely rare’ virus found in Arkansas horse

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — An Arkansas department has said that an extremely rare virus spread by biting insects has been found in Ouachita County.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Livestock and Poultry Division said that a positive case of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) was found in a horse. The infection can cause acute inflammation of the brain, a news release said. It is spread primarily through mosquitos and flies that have bitten birds infected with the virus.

“This disease can infect a wide range of animals other than horses, including other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians,” the release states. “While humans can also contract the disease through biting insects, they cannot get the disease through direct contact with an infected animal.”

The CDC says that symptoms of EEE can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Behavioral changes
• Drowsiness

No other horses were exposed to the infected horse, the news release states. But the department is urging owners to “closely monitor their equine for early clinical signs, which include l oss of appetite, decreased activity and depression. ” The signs can be subtle and progress to tremors, paralysis, altered mental state and stumbling .

Regular vaccinations and pest control management can prevent the disease. Owners should contact their veterinarian for more information. They can also call the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division at 501-225-1598 if any horses show clinical signs.

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