Horse Owners: Remember to Vaccinate Animals Against EEE and WNV
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding horse owners to vaccinate for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV). Both diseases are carried by mosquitoes, and vaccinating horses offers considerable protection.
EEE and WNV may cause brain inflammation, and equine mortality rates approach 90% for EEE and 30% for WNV. While humans may be infected, the viruses do not pass between people and horses. Transmission occurs when mosquitoes carry viruses from infected birds and bite warm-blooded animals.
Symptoms are similar for both diseases but tend to be more severe with EEE. They include depression, appetite loss, drooping eyelids and lower lip, fever, weakness, twitching, paralysis or lack of coordination, circling, blindness, seizures, and inability to stand.
In addition to recommending vaccination, DATCP offers these tips to limit horses’ exposure to mosquitoes:
- Remove items that could collect stagnant water (e.g., old tires, buckets, unused troughs).
- Keep rain gutters draining properly; turn wading pools and wheelbarrows upside down.
- Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
- Empty and replace water in birdbaths at least once a week.
- Consider keeping horses in the barn from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
EEE and WNV vaccinations are considered core vaccines and are recommended for all horses in Wisconsin, regardless of their intended use. Other core vaccinations include rabies and tetanus. Horse owners are encouraged to discuss vaccination for EEE, WNV and other diseases with their veterinarians as soon as possible. To learn more about core and risk-based vaccinations for horses, visit the DATCP website or the American Association of Equine Practitioners adult horse vaccination web page.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Division of Animal Health
https://datcp.wi.gov
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