HARTFORD, CT — As riders gear up to travel to trail rides and competitions with their horses, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) and the State Veterinarian are urging horse owners to tighten biosecurity practices and make sure vaccinations are given on schedule.
“Mosquito-borne illnesses such as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), along with other infectious diseases move easily between horses,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Thamus Morgan, DVM, MPH, DACVPM. “Vaccinations work best when they are timed correctly, and a strong relationship with your veterinarian ensures you’re prepared if something goes wrong.”
Mosquito-borne diseases affect people and birds; however horses are especially vulnerable to EEE and WNV, both of which spread through mosquito bites. Immunity takes time to develop, making early vaccination essential.
Stop the Bite, Strengthen the Fight
A few essential steps for mosquito management, including vaccination protocols:
- Remove standing water and clean water troughs regularly
- Use pyrethrin-based fly sprays as directed
- Start with the two-dose vaccine series, given four to six weeks apart
- Follow up with yearly boosters, or six-month boosters if recommended
- Vaccinate at least one month before mosquito season
Owners should call a veterinarian immediately for neurologic signs such as tremors, incoordination, head tilt, unusual behavior, or other sudden changes.
Biosecurity: Stop Germs at the Gate
Strong biosecurity works everywhere – at home, at events, and while traveling. Key practices include:
- Limit nose-to-nose contact between horses
- Keep visitor and vehicle access to a minimum
- Assign individual equipment such as halters, leads, and blankets
- Clean and disinfect any shared surfaces and tools between uses
- Require a negative Coggins test (Equine Infectious Anemia) within 12 months
- Ask for proof of vaccination for all horses arriving on your property
- Consider Certificates of Veterinary Inspection and recent temperature logs
“As horse travel increases, so does the risk of contagious disease,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “A few simple steps at home and on the road can go a long way toward stopping disease before it starts and help protect not just one horse, but the entire equine community.”
For more information on animals and animal health, including diseases that are reportable, please visit the State Veterinarian webpage.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) mission is to foster a healthy economic, environmental, and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting, and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its contribution to the state's economy. For more information, visit www.CTGrown.gov.
