Press Releases
09/26/2019
SIXTH CONNECTICUT HORSE FOUND POSITIVE FOR EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS
(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture announced today the sixth equine case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the town of Oakdale.
On September 13, a seven-year-old, miniature horse was observed by the owner shaking, leaning against the fence and circling. The horse’s condition quickly continued to decline when examined by the attending veterinarian. The miniature horse was not current on its vaccinations and it did not travel recently. Diagnostic samples were collected and the horse was humanely euthanized. The test results reported on September 20 confirmed a recent exposure to EEE virus.
Horse owners are reminded to review vaccination records with their veterinarians to ensure that EEE and West Nile Virus (WNV) vaccinations are current and to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially when residing in areas with known infected mosquitoes. The mortality rate of EEE infected horses showing clinical signs is 75-90%. Surviving horses have a high incidence of neurologic deficits.
Horses are the domestic animals most susceptible to infection with EEE and WNV viruses. Neurological diseases of domestic animals, such as EEE, WNV and Rabies are reportable to the State Veterinarian.
For more information about equine diseases and about the national equine disease surveillance programs see the USDA APHIS web site at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-health/equine-health
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For Immediate Release: September 26, 2019
Contact: Rebecca Eddy
860-713-2538