State Vet reports rise in Mosquito-borne Horse Illness

Dr. Boyd Parr, state veterinarian and director of Clemson University’s Livestock Poultry Health, announces that 24 new confirmed cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horses since the initial case this year was confirmed on June 28, making a total of 25 cases in South Carolina. Seven cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis were confirmed in the past week. There have been no cases of West Nile Virus confirmed to date this year. Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus are serious, mosquito-borne illnesses in horses that also can affect humans. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is preventable by vaccinating horses. The state veterinarian urges horse owners to consult with their veterinarians to be sure vaccinations against both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus are up-to-date. During 2012, there were 14 confirmed cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and seven of West Nile Virus in South Carolina.