Escambia County’s Mosquito Control Division encourages horse owners to take preventative actions by vaccinating their horses for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the light of increased production of mosquito species that may carry and transmit this widespread disease.

Recent local weather events have contributed to the emergence of both the primary and secondary vectors of EEE, a severe to fatal disease transmitted to horses by several distinctive mosquito species. Horses are “accidental hosts” of this disease, with a natural cycle that typically involves birds and the primary vector, Culiseta melanura, inhabiting cypress hammocks and other freshwater swampy areas.

To protect horses from the effects of this disease, vaccinations should be current and delivered on a frequency of two times each year, every six months in consultation with a local veterinary professional. In horses, the clinical presentation of EEE includes the following: apprehension, depression, elevated temperature, head shaking, muscle twitching, incoordination, weakness of hind limbs, inability to stand, aimless wandering, head pressing and listlessness. If you have questions or concerns, please consult your veterinarian for further information. Horses depend on their owners to prevent their exposure and avoid becoming victims of mosquito-borne disease.

Humans can take actions on their own to prevent their exposure to mosquitoes by avoiding activity at the times of dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes are active, dressing to cover exposed skin, using a mosquito repellent that contains DEET and by draining large and small water-filled containers, as may breed nuisance pests.

If you are experiencing mosquito problems, please contact the Mosquito Control Division. Inspection by a licensed applicator is required under state regulations and rule prior to any applications of pesticides. Call (850) 937-2188 and provide your name, address and contact number to initiate a response by Escambia County Mosquito Control.