EEE Vaccination Timing Critical for Protection

Vaccinating at the proper time of the year against Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is critical to protecting horses from the sometimes-fatal mosquito-borne disease, according to Judy Marteniuk, DVM, MS, associate professor in Equine Medicine and Extension at Michigan State University. As of Aug. 19, 18 cases have been confirmed, with seven pending lab results. Eastern equine enc
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Vaccinating at the proper time of the year against Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is critical to protecting horses from the sometimes-fatal mosquito-borne disease, according to Judy Marteniuk, DVM, MS, associate professor in Equine Medicine and Extension at Michigan State University. As of Aug. 19, 18 cases have been confirmed, with seven pending lab results.

Eastern equine encephalitis cannot be transmitted from horse to horse, but rather is spread by mosquitoes that serve as the vectors, or carriers, that transmit the disease to horses. Horses vaccinated after late March should be protected during mosquito season, but those that were vaccinated prior to March should receive an EEE booster, Marteniuk noted.

Broodmares that are set to foal early in 2011 that were vaccinated early this spring should receive a booster vaccine in order to provide protection to their foals (the antibodies will be passed to the foals through the mares' colostrum). Additionally, owners who have been vaccinating annually without keeping protection during mosquito season in mind should booster their horses, Marteniuk said. The vaccine should be effective for six to eight months, she noted.

"There have been cases of horse fatalities in Michigan because the owner was vaccinating for EEE in the fall, and the horses were not protected during the entire mosquito season," Marteniuk said. "It's important that owners consult with their veterinarians to ensure proper timing of vaccines and other health protocols

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