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Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed In Escambia Horse
August 2, 2014
An unimmunized horse in Escambia County was recently euthanized because it contracted the mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
According to the Escambia County Department of Health, unimmunized horses throughout the county are at risk for this disease. Horse owners are encouraged to keep current all equine immunizations for mosquito-borne diseases.
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.
EEE was first recognized in Escambia County, Florida in 1937.
While EEE rarely infects humans, transmission of the virus to humans is possible from the bite of an infected mosquito. Human signs and symptoms of EEE infection can include sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, and coma. Severe cases of EEE infection in humans can lead to brain damage or death. Persons experiencing symptoms of a mosquito-borne disease should seek immediate medical care.
Comments
6 Responses to “Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed In Escambia Horse”
@oldman I had a dog that was afflicted with whats called coon hound disease it comes from ticks and will paralyze a dog.
OLDMAN – check especially along the spine, the base of the skull and in /around the ears. You can probably get her checked for the cost of an office visit to get an idea what you are looking at. If you have a way to get to it, Pine Meadow vet has a Groupon for a super cheap office visit / exam
OldMan, here are some symptoms of tick paralysis in dogs: vomiting, unsteadiness, fast heart rate, weakness especially in hind limbs, partial loss of muscle movement or complete loss in advanced cases, poor reflexes, difficulty in eating, abnormal bark, excessive drooling, excessive dilatation of pupil in the eye. These may appear at different stages of the disease. A trip to the vet is advised for correct diagnosis and treatment. Because your dog runs in the woods and is therefore exposed to a number of tick bites, this is certainly a possibility for her. Good luck with your pup.
Maybe OldMan does not have the $300 or more to consult a vet
EEE can be contracted by a dog or even people for that matter. It’s very rare – but possilble.
It’s recommended to vaccinate horses but not “cost effective” to do the same for people!!!
Have you thought about taking the animal into a vet. or at least calling and trying to get the information you need?
Does anyone know if dogs can get this disease, about a week ago my bulldog began to act like she was paralyzed in her rear legs, she hobbled for a few days and then it seemed as though she couldnt stand . I have read that ticks may cause the same symptoms and since she’s a runner, runs through the woods for days and comes home full of ticks. I pick off all I can find but still, she seems a little better but still having troubles.
Help