DATE:     4/13/04
CONTACT:  Tony Caver, DVM, (803) 788-2260; 
          jcaver@clemson.edu
WRITER:   Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343, ext. 241; 
          tlollis@clemson.edu

Horses should be vaccinated
regularly against EEE, WNV

     COLUMBIA -- Horse owners should get their animals vaccinated
against two major health threats - Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
and West Nile Virus (WNV).
     "We had 152 equine cases for EEE and 54 WNV equine cases in 2003,
most of them in animals that either had not been vaccinated or their
vaccinations were not current," said Tony Caver, interim state
veterinarian and director for Clemson University's Livestock/Poultry
Health Programs.
     More than 90 percent of the horses diagnosed with EEE and about 40
percent of the horses diagnosed with WNV died or were euthanized. Many
of those that recovered from WNV took weeks to get back to normal.
     "Good vaccines are available for both EEE and WNV, and the cost is
negligible when you consider the value and welfare of your animals,"
Caver said.
     He said that most veterinarians recommend that horses receive EEE
and WNV vaccine boosters three to six weeks apart and follow-up
boosters every six months, or at least twice a year in the best
time-frame to cover mosquito season or in the face of an outbreak.
     "Consult your veterinarian for vaccination protocols, and don't
wait until mosquito season gets here to see to the health of your
horses," said Caver.
     In addition to vaccination, horse owners should take practical
steps for control and protection against mosquitoes. That includes:
*   Use of insect repellents, especially those containing DEET.
*   Reduction of standing or stagnant water sources.
*   Aeration of ornamental ponds and keeping fish in them.
*   Keeping fans on in stalls and run-in sheds.
*   Keeping horses in less mosquito laden areas during dusk 'til dawn
    times.
    Horse owners can check with their county mosquito control officer
about local mosquito control plans and activities.
     "Remember to protect yourself, as well as your horses, from
mosquito-borne diseases," said Caver.
                              END