South Carolina Confirms Ninth Equine EEE Case of 2016

The unvaccinated 5-year-old Mustang mare residing in Berkley County did not survive.
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The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported July 15 that South Carolina has confirmed an additional equine Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) case.

“The State Veterinarian’s office received laboratory confirmation of another new equine case of EEE on July 15,” the EDCC statement read. “A 5-year-old Mustang mare located in Berkley County was confirmed (EEE-positive) today. This horse was unvaccinated and did not survive.

“This is the first confirmed case in Berkley County this year. The total number of confirmed cases in South Carolina in 2016 is now nine.”

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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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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