Horse Owners: Vaccinate against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

It’s the beginning of mosquito season in North Carolina, which means it’s also time for horse owners to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating animals against mosquito-borne diseases.
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It’s the beginning of mosquito season in North Carolina, which means it’s also time for horse owners to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating animals against mosquito-borne diseases.

West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) are endemic across North Carolina and can cause illness or death in equids, but can be prevented with a series of two vaccines. Last year, there were two reported cases of WNV and 13 cases of EEE in North Carolina, but area veterinarians expect that the actual number is higher.

“Now is the time to vaccinate against West Nile virus and EEE,” said State Veterinarian David Marshall, DVM. “Mosquito breeding peaks in August, so starting the vaccination protocol now gives it time to take effect.”

The EEE and WNV vaccinations initially require two shots, three to four weeks apart, for horses, mules, and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history. Neither vaccination fully protects the animal until several weeks after the second shot, so it is best to vaccinate as early in the mosquito season as possible. Previously vaccinated horses should be boostered at least annually. Marshall encourages horse owners to talk to their veterinarians about maintaining the vaccination year-round in North Carolina, since the mosquito season is long

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