The Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier are encouraging horse owners to vaccinate for Eastern Equine Encephalits (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, “WNV is a significant health threat to horses because it can cause severe neurological diseases. Most cases occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than WNV. The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30%, while the rate for EEE is almost 90%.”
Commissioner Pate said, “Unfortunately, mosquito-borne viruses like EEE and WNV are prevalent in Alabama’s warm and wet climate. Vaccinating is critical to protect horses and ourselves. I strongly encourage all horse owners to take preventive measures and ensure their animals are properly vaccinated.”
Dr. Frazier said, “We recommend vaccinating your horses every six months against both EEE and WNV. Horse owners should contact their local veterinarian to schedule these important vaccinations and ensure their animals are protected.” In addition to vaccination, the Department recommends, reducing mosquito exposure, eliminating standing water and monitor health of horses.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.