EEE Virus Confirmed in Ohio Horse

Dr. Jeff Hayes, DVM, MS, ADDL Pathology

A horse from Ashtabula County was recently confirmed to have eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL). Testing of the horse’s serum was completed at the USDA’s NVSL laboratory in Ames, Iowa.

The animal was euthanized in late July after showing neurological symptoms. The animal was not vaccinated against the disease and lived near a low-lying area that is typically prone to harboring mosquitoes. EEE is often transmitted by mosquitoes which can also transmit the virus to humans. While only a few human cases are reported each year, and most infected persons report no apparent illness, some cases results in serious neurologic disease in affected people.

“The confirmation of EEE in Ohio serves as a reminder to horse owners on the importance of vaccinating their animals,” said Dr. Tony Forshey, State Veterinarian and chief of the ODA Division of Animal Health. “EEE is one of a handful of illnesses that horses can be protected from through vaccination and I encourage owners to talk to their veterinarian and get horses vaccinated soon.”

EEE attacks the central nervous system of a horse. It appears within five days after a mosquito transmits the virus and onset of clinical signs of illness is abrupt. Signs of EEE in horses include: fever, a sleepy appearance, muscle twitches, weakness and a staggering walk. Often, affected animals are unable to stand within hours of transmission and die within a few days.

Veterinarians are reminded that positive cases of EEE in horses are reportable to the State Veterinarian according to OAC 901:1-21-02. Call the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6220 to report positive cases, and for assistance regarding samples needed and testing options to confirm a diagnosis. 

Veterinarians are again strongly encouraged to recommend to horse owners to have their animals vaccinated, to remove standing water from near their home, and to increase other mosquito control efforts.

EHD Virus Confirmed in Ohio Deer and Cattle

Dr. Jeff Hayes, DVM, MS, ADDL Pathology

The first cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in 2017 in Ohio were recently confirmed in both white-tailed deer and cattle.  

The positive diagnoses were from wild white-tailed deer in Lorain, Jefferson and Highland Counties and from cattle in Lorain and Jefferson Counties. EHD detections are not unusual, as cases have been detected in both wild and captive white-tailed deer in Ohio in late summer and fall of each of the last several years. However, significantly increased  disease outbreaks in deer in Ohio have occurred every five years, the last in 2012. Years in which increased EDH disease occurs in deer populations are frequently accompanied by EHD disease in cattle. To date, 2017 appears to be a year of significant disease in white-tailed deer. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife  reports numerous dead deer including cases from Columbiana and Jefferson counties. EHD virus has also been confirmed in neighboring counties of both Pennsylvania and Kentucky. 

The EHD virus is not infectious to people and is not spread from animal to animal but is transmitted by the bite of small midges. Deer infected with this virus may show symptoms including lethargy, head hung down, loss of fear of humans, swelling of the tongue and head and neck, difficulty breathing and excess salivation due to tongue swelling or ulcers in the mouth. 

Cattle may show signs including swelling of the muzzle, oral erosions, salivation, off feed condition and fever. Affected cattle and sheep may also show signs as described above for deer. Such cases in cattle and sheep may mimic other diseases such as foot and mouth disease, bluetongue and vesicular stomatitis. Those diseases are reportable by state law, so veterinarians are encouraged to report affected cattle and sheep to the State Veterinarian at 614-728-6220 or the USDA Area Director at 614-856-4735.  Producers and animal owners are encouraged to report such cases to their veterinarian. 

People should always avoid touching or handling sick or dead wild animals, and should not consume meat from animals that appeared to be sick while alive.

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Upcoming 2017 All-American Quarter Horse Congress

Linda Barber, ADDL Central Receiving Section Head

The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the largest single breed horse show in the US with more than 17,000 entries and 6,000 horses. The 2017 show will be held at the Ohio Exposition Center in Columbus Ohio, and will run from Tuesday October 3rd thru Sunday October 29th. The ADDL is prepared to provide Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) testing 7 days a week in support of this show. Samples may be dropped off to the lab from 8AM to 5PM, M-F during normal business hours.  The EIAV ELISA test results are provided on the SAME day for samples received by 12 noon weekdays. Samples received after noon will be reported the following day.

To arrange weekend, holiday or afterhours testing contact Anne Parkinson, Serology Section Head, at 614-989-8036 or Linda Barber, Central Receiving Section Head, at 614-301-4537. For weekend/holiday submissions (including October 12th, Columbus Day) samples must arrive at the lab by 10 AM to receive same day results. Test costs are $5.50/sample, plus an $8.00 accession fee. For after-hours testing a $75.00 charge will be added to each accession. Cash or checks must accompany after-hours submissions.

To submit EIAV samples please use the Ohio Equine Infectious Anemia Test Record and include “Quarter Horse Congress” at the top of the form above the owner’s name. Serum samples for EIAV testing must be collected by a veterinarian that is licensed and accredited by the State of Ohio. Results for these submissions will be faxed to the submitting veterinarian at the Quarter Horse Congress Hall office.

If you have questions during normal business hours please contact Anne Parkinson  (parkinson@agri.ohio.gov), 614-995-1495, (direct office) or Linda Barber (barber@agri.ohio.gov) at 614-728-6259 (direct office).  You may also call the main lab line at 614-728-6220.

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