Florida Farm & Feed

Bronson Urges Encephalitis Caution
As Number Of Cases Grows In Panhandle;
Public Seminar To Be Held Monday

06-29-2001

TALLAHASSEE -- As the number of cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) grows, state agriculture officials are urging Floridians to take precautions against this mosquito-borne disease.

"While the recent rainy weather across the state has brought welcome relief from the drought, it has also caused an increase in the mosquito population," Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said. "A bumper crop of mosquitoes increases the risk for more cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis."

A growing number of horses have contracted EEE in Holmes and Jackson counties, located in Florida's panhandle. More than 20 cases have been reported as of June 26, with an additional case reported in Santa Rosa County. Unconfirmed cases in surrounding counties also are being investigated.

To help educate horse owners and the public about the threat posed by EEE, a seminar will be held at the Washington County Agriculture Extension Office in Chipley on Monday, July 2, at 7 p.m. This meeting is open to the public and all horse owners are urged to attend. The seminar is hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Holmes, Jackson and Washington County Extension Offices.

"Horses are particularly susceptible to some strains of viral encephalitis, and with the movement of horses this time of year into and out of Florida, we want all horse owners to be extra vigilant in taking protective measures against possible outbreaks of Eastern Equine Encephalitis," Bronson said.

Bronson is also urging people to take special precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitoes by reducing the time outdoors during early evening, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and using insect repellent on exposed areas of the body.

Bronson urged horse owners to make sure that their animals are vaccinated against EEE and to watch for and report any signs of neurologic illness to their veterinarian.

"While we remain vigilant to detect Eastern Equine Encephalitis, I urge everyone to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes and horse enclosures, and use mosquito repellents, particularly at dusk when mosquitoes are most active," Bronson said.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of people and horses. It is spread by mosquitoes, which transmit the disease from infected birds. Transmission of the disease from horse to horse or from horse to humans is highly unlikely. The mortality rate for infected horses is 50 to 90 percent. Vaccinating horses properly will prevent them from contracting the disease. Currently, there is no vaccine available for people against EEE.

Signs of the disease in horses include fever, impaired vision, irregular gait, reduced reflexes, inability to swallow, occasional convulsions and death. The disease is most commonly detected in horses in Florida from April to August. Previously unvaccinated horses should be given two initial injections of vaccine about 3 to 4 weeks apart. After initial vaccination, all horses should be vaccinated three times yearly.

Tips on eliminating mosquito breeding sites

• Clean out eaves, troughs, buckets and gutters.
• Remove old tires, or drill holes in those used for playground equipment to allow them to drain.
• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
• Pick up broken, unused or discarded toys.
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water in pockets or indentations.
• Pump out bilges on boats.
• Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
• Change water in the bottom of plant containers, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
• Fix dripping outdoor faucets, and automatic animal water devises that create pools of water.

For additional information, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry at (850) 410-0900.