According to the Equine Disease Communication Center and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis was confirmed at a private facility in Marion County, Fla., on April 16. No quarantine has been issued.
Only the animals under quarantine have additional travel restrictions. The horse under quarantine is not allowed to leave the premises.
According to the Equine Disease Communication Center, eastern equine encephalitis is a vector borne disease. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes or other biting insects. Birds act as reservoirs for the virus; mosquitoes and other biting insects then carry the pathogen from infected birds and transmit it to horses when they bite. A horse affected with EEE is not contagious and poses no risk to other horses, humans or birds.
The disease is severe with a mortality rate of 75% – 95% and the onset of neurologic disease is frequently sudden and progressive.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your veterinarian or click here.
Strangles Confirmed in Lake County
According to the Equine Disease Communication Center and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a private facility in Lake County in Florida has been placed under quarantine by the FDACS as of April 16 due a horse testing positive for strangles.
Only the animals under quarantine have additional travel restrictions. The horse under quarantine is not allowed to leave the premises.
The incubation period is between three to 14 days according to the EDCC.
Also known as Strep Equi, Strangles is a highly infectious bacterial infection that is spread from horse to horse through direct contact and by coming into contact with a contaminated surface. It is common and most horses are exposed and/or infected at a young age.
For more information about strangles click here.
