Third Ohio Horse Dies as a Result of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

The Ohio Department of Agriculture reports that a 3rd horse has recently died as a result of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) infection. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is an infectious disease that affects the brain of horses. The disease is caused by a virus which attacks the brain, destroys nerve cells and causes brain inflammation and swelling.  

The onset of symptoms usually starts with a fever that can reach as high as 106 degrees for 1 to 2 days.  Additional symptoms may begin to develop one to three weeks later and can include lethargy, fever, muscle tremors, wobbliness (ataxia), and other neurologic symptoms.  

If your horse has not been vaccinated this year for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, we urge you to do so immediately. This inexpensive vaccine is very protective against this potentially fatal disease.