Additional Equine EEE Cases Confirmed in South Carolina

The state veterinarian’s office reported three new cases on July 12, bringing the state’s 2016 case count to eight.
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The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported July 12 that several additional cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) have been confirmed in horses in South Carolina.

“The state veterinarian’s office received laboratory confirmation of three new case of EEE as of July 12,” the EDCC statement said. “(The first) was a Tennessee Walking Horse located in Dorchester County, (the second) was a 13-year-old pony located in Horry County, and (the third) was a 2-year -old Quarter Horse located in Kershaw County. None of the three horses survived.”

These cases are the first cases in Dorchester and Kershaw counties and the third case in Horry County. The total number of confirmed cases in South Carolina horses in 2016 is now eight.

A viral disease, EEE affects the central nervous system and is transmitted to horses by infected mosquitoes. Clinical signs of EEE include moderate to high fever, depression, lack of appetite, cranial nerve deficits (facial paralysis, tongue weakness, difficulty swallowing), behavioral changes (aggression, self-mutilation, or drowsiness), gait abnormalities, or severe central nervous system signs, such as head-pressing, circling, blindness, and seizures. The course of EEE can be swift, with death occurring two to three days after onset of clinical signs despite intensive care; fatality rates reach 75-80% among horses. Horses that survive might have long-lasting impairments and neurologic problems

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Written by:

Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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