On October 18, a new Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) case was confirmed in Osceola County, Florida. The 4 year old grade male’s vaccination history is unknown and he had no recent travel history. Clinical signs began on October 9 and the horse was euthanized for humane reasons one day later.
This is the fifth confirmed EEE case in Osceola County and case 21 in Florida for 2016.
EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is much more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30%, while the rate for EEE is almost 90%. Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for EEE.
The virus causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord. General symptoms include central nervous system signs such as: head pressing, convulsions, lack of response to facial stimulation, fever above 103 degrees, ataxia, paralysis, anorexia, depression and stupor. Other symptoms may include irregular gait, teeth grinding, in-coordination, circling, and staggering. All symptoms may not be exhibited by an infected horse.
Related:
- Ontario animal rabies cases at 222 through September
- First screwworm infestation in the US in decades reported in Florida
- Fusobacterium necrophorum vaccine patented for cattle
2 thoughts on “Osceola County reports 5th Eastern Equine Encephalitis case”