By Blake Jackson
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball is urging horse owners to vaccinate their horses against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).
These mosquito-borne diseases have been confirmed in several New York counties this year, including Clinton, Franklin, Saint Lawrence, Washington, Madison, Oneida, Orange, Ulster, Cayuga, and Wayne counties for EEE, and Oswego County for WNV.
Commissioner Ball emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "A simple vaccination can go a long way toward protecting horses against mosquito-borne diseases. If you’re a horse owner and your horse is in need of a vaccination, I encourage you to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.”
Both EEE and WNV are transmitted by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. There is no cure for these diseases, which can be fatal in unvaccinated horses.
Horse owners are urged to consult with their veterinarians regarding recommended vaccines. While vaccines are effective for up to a year, veterinarians may recommend more frequent vaccinations in areas with persistent EEE and WNV activity.
In addition to vaccination, horse owners are advised to implement prevention measures such as eliminating standing water, using insect repellents, and relocating horses from mosquito-infested areas during peak biting times.
EEE and WNV can cause various symptoms in horses, including staggering, circling, depression, loss of appetite, fever, blindness, lethargy, weakness, stumbling, lack of awareness, head tilt, head twitching, convulsions, circling, partial paralysis, and coma.
Horses exhibiting these symptoms should be reported to the State Department of Agriculture and Markets' Division of Animal Industry and the local health department.
While humans can contract West Nile Virus from mosquitoes, they cannot spread it to other animals. Preventing mosquito bites is crucial for minimizing them.
New York State has no confirmed cases of EEE or WNV in humans this year. The State Department of Agriculture and Markets collaborates with local health departments and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to address EEE and WNV incidents.
For more information on West Nile Virus, EEE, and Rabies Virus in Horses, please visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets website. You can also find information about preventing West Nile Virus in humans on the Department of Health website.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-patrick-jennings
Categories: New York, Government & Policy