Alabama Officials Urge Horse Owners to Vaccinate Against EEE and West Nile Virus

MONTGOMERY — With warmer temperatures arriving across the state, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier are urging horse owners to protect their animals by vaccinating against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).

Both diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe neurological illness in horses. WNV has an estimated mortality rate of about 30%, while EEE is far more deadly, with nearly 90% of infected horses dying from the disease.

“These mosquito-borne viruses are prevalent in Alabama’s warm and wet climate. Vaccinating is critical to protect horses and ourselves,” Commissioner Pate said. He encouraged horse owners to take preventive measures and ensure their animals are properly vaccinated.

Dr. Frazier recommended vaccinating horses every six months against both EEE and WNV and advised owners to contact their local veterinarians to schedule vaccinations.

Symptoms of infection in horses can include fever above 103 degrees, head pressing, convulsions, paralysis, ataxia, anorexia, depression, circling, staggering, and other central nervous system signs. Not all symptoms may appear in every infected horse.

In addition to vaccinations, officials recommend horse owners take steps to reduce mosquito exposure, including:

• Using insect repellents and fans, and keeping horses indoors during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.

• Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as troughs, buckets, and old tires.

• Monitoring horses regularly and consulting a veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear.

While infected horses and backyard poultry cannot directly transmit EEE to humans, the virus can spread to people through mosquito bites. Health officials advise residents to use DEET insect repellent, wear protective clothing, remove standing water, and limit outdoor activity during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

For more information on preventing EEE in humans, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/eastern-equine-encephalitis/prevention/. Questions related to animals can be directed to the Alabama State Veterinarian’s office at 334-240-7253.