Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): a disease that has increased in Eastern Canada and for which prevention is needed.

EEE is deadly arthropod-borne viral encephalitis that causes inflammation of the brain and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that feed on both birds and mammals can become infected with the EEE virus and are responsible for transmitting the disease. The fluctuation in case numbers year-to-year is not clearly understood. What is known is that EEE is usually diagnosed in the late summer and early fall. Affected horses will show various neurological signs and the mortality rate is very high (50-90%). Although the disease was only reported sporadically until recently, a few outbreaks were reported in Ontario and Quebec in the last 8 years and clinical cases were reported in the Maritimes in 2009. Moreover several cases have also been reported in the North-East United States (New-York, Maine, Michigan and, New-Hampshire). Michigan has been hit particularly hard this year, the worst in 30 years. There have been 130 confirmed cases in horses in 2010 in Michigan alone.

The number of cases varies from year to year, and from areas within the same region according to weather conditions, mosquito populations and other factors. In 2010 all 11 cases reported in Quebec were from the same region: Lanaudière. Numerous species of birds can carry the virus and numerous species of insects can transmit it which makes the disease very unpredictable.

Prevention and control of the disease can be accomplished by reducing the number of insect vectors, reducing the exposure to the insect vectors or by increasing immunity through vaccination. Vaccination against EEE is considered part of the core vaccination program by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. VeteraTM EWT +WNV is a new vaccine marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim that was launched in 2010. Vetera™ vaccines incorporate two cutting-edge, proprietary technologies-carbopol adjuvant and ultrafil purification that enhance vaccination effectiveness and safety.

Adequate protection requires a customized vaccination protocol. Foals should receive a primary series of 2 vaccinations in the fall with a booster the following spring starting as early as 4 months of age depending on the mares’ vaccination history. Adults with unknown (or no) EEE vaccination history should receive 2 doses of vaccine 4 to 6 weeks apart (the second injection prior to expected exposure to mosquitoes). Adult horses previously vaccinated for EEE should receive an annual booster prior to expected exposure. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated 4 to 6 weeks prior to foaling and those with unknown (or no) EEE vaccination history should receive a first dose 4 to 6 weeks prior. In all cases annual re-vaccination is recommended.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis should be considered in your horse’s regular vaccination schedule to protect horses in Eastern Canada against Equine Encephalitis.

Presented by Dr Jean Baril Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

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