Eastern Equine Encephalitis Rears Its Ugly Head In South Carolina

The First 2020 Case of EEE Has Been Confirmed in a Horse in Marion County

Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health has announced that a 15-month-old Tennessee Walking Horse stallion has been euthanized after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and not having the proper vaccinations. There are highly effective vaccinations available for EEE and West Nile Virus for horses, and it is crucial that they are put to use. Sean Eastman, a veterinarian, and LPH Animal Health Programs field services director says that the mortality rate for horses infected with EEE is 90 percent, and for West Nile, there is a 30-40 percent mortality rate. There is really no excuse for not using the tools that are available to keep your animals healthy.

Human Infection

EEE is carried by wild birds. Mosquitoes feed on these birds and then pass the disease along to horses. Humans can encounter these same mosquitoes. Unfortunately, there is no such vaccine for humans. Nor cure. Almost a third of all people that contract EEE die and many of the survivors carry log lasting neurologic issues. Therefore mosquito management and control are extremely important right now. We had a mild winter and a wet spring. Those conditions always lead to a large mosquito population throughout the summer. This first case of EEE, though a rare disease, is likely just the beginning of what will be a challenging season when it comes to mosquito control and mosquito-borne illnesses.

Mosquito Control

There is no way to keep the birds from having diseases like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, but there is a way to keep mosquitoes from spreading them. Eliminate the mosquitoes. Whether it is your own small backyard, your one horse farm, or your large stable area, Mosquito Squad has professional treatment programs to serve each need. It’s never too late to begin professional mosquito control, as our barrier sprays eliminate 90% of mosquitoes on contact. If horses are your passion and your concern, our automatic misting systems are precisely the solution that you need for added mosquito protection. One death from EEE is too many, but it is unlikely that this death is the last this year. The illness is rare, but it exists and what keeps the numbers low, along with vaccinations for horses, is diligence in mosquito control. Mosquito Squad of Greenville and let us create the plan that suits your needs best.