Reminder to Vaccinate Horses against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Pfizer Animal Health is encouraging horse owners and veterinarians to follow the AAEP vaccination guidelines.
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In the wake of Hurricane Irene and an active tropical storm season, several states along the East Coast and in the Southeast reported record rainfall for the month of August. Saturated grounds and regional flooding has led to standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Animal health experts warn that fatal cases of Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are being reported in numerous states.

To help prevent the spread of additional cases, Pfizer Animal Health is encouraging horse owners and veterinarians to follow the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines for vaccinations against mosquito-borne diseases and vaccine label directions.

"Historically Eastern equine encephalitis has primarily been reported in the south and southeastern parts of the country," said Kevin Hankins, DVM, MBA, of equine veterinary services at Pfizer Animal Health. "However, in 2010 we saw a rise in cases of mosquito-borne diseases across the northern states including New York, Michigan, and Maine. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) cases once again are being reported to health officials; therefore, we encourage horse owners to take preventative measures and get their horses vaccinated."

According to the United States Geological Survey, 22 cases of EEE have been confirmed. Eleven of those were reported in New York, where areas are still recovering from devastating flooding after Hurricane Irene hit the region on Aug. 27-28. Similarly, as of Sept. 6, 21 cases of WNV have been reported in 13 states, from California to Texas, North Dakota, and New York

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