Kentucky Reports Second Equine EEE Case of 2013

The unvaccinated 17-year-old Quarter Horse mare died earlier this month.
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The Kentucky State Veterinarian’s office announced Saturday (Oct. 19) that a horse residing in Carlisle County tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) late on Oct. 18. This is the second EEE case reported in Kentucky this year.

A statement from Kentucky Equine Programs manager E.S. "Rusty" Ford relayed that on Oct. 10, the unvaccinated 17-year-old Quarter Horse mare presented in an acute recumbent state and was unable to rise, eat, or drink. The mare survived for 24 hours before she died naturally, Ford’s statement said.

In August, an unvaccinated Tennessee Walking Horse gelding from Hart County died after contracting EEE.

A viral disease, EEE affects the central nervous system and is transmitted to horses by infected mosquitoes. Its fatality rate in horses is 75-95%. The course of EEE can be swift, with death occurring two to three days after onset of clinical signs despite intensive care. 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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