The state’s first confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis this year has claimed the life of a 2-year-old gelding in Oswego County. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare viral disease of horses and humans that is spread by infected mosquitoes. There have been no reported human cases in 2010.
The infected horse was purchased at a New York auction earlier this year. He had an unknown vaccination history at the time of purchase and was not vaccinated after. Last week, the gelding began showing signs of the virus, loss of appetite, circling and leaning against the stall. After examination by a veterinarian, he was euthanized. Brain samples were sent to the state Department of Health and tested positive. The other horses on the premises are not showing any signs of the virus and have since been vaccinated.
The virus, found mainly along the East Coast, affects the central nervous system of horses, and usually results in death. Symptoms include staggering, circling, depression, loss of appetite and sometimes fever and blindness. Humans cannot become infected by handling an infected horse, nor can a horse acquire the virus from another infected horse; however, the presence of an infected horse in the area indicates that mosquitoes carrying the virus are present.
While there is no treatment or cure for this disease, vaccines are available.
For more information, visit www.agmkt.state.ny.us or www.health.state.ny.us.
