The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) offers alerts about equine diseases that have been confirmed by reliable sources. The following information is from the EDCC.
Two New Florida EEE Cases
On August 3, two new EEE case were confirmed, one each in Jackson and Jefferson County, Florida. The Jackson County case, a 10-year-old Quarter Horse, became clinical on July 16 and was last vaccinated against EEE in February 2016 per submitting veterinarian. The horse was euthanized for humane reasons the same day. The Jefferson County case has no previous vaccine history and no recent travel history. Clinical signs began on July 24 and the horse was euthanized for humane reasons three days later. This is the second confirmed EEE case in Jackson County, the third case in Jefferson County and cases 17 and 18 in Florida for 2016.
About EDCC
The Equine Disease Communication Center works to protect horses and the horse industry from the threat of infectious diseases in North America. The communication system is designed to seek and report real time information about disease outbreaks similar to how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts the human population about diseases in people.
The goal of the EDCC is to alert the horse industry about disease outbreak information to help mitigate and prevent the spread of disease. Ultimately frequent and accurate information about diseases outbreaks improves horse welfare and helps to prevent negative economic impact that can result from decreased horse use due to a fear of spreading infection. As part of the National Equine Health Plan the EDCC will serve as part of the communication to help educate and promote research about endemic and foreign disease.
Working in cooperation with state animal health officials and the United State Department of Agriculture, the EDCC seeks information about current disease outbreaks from news media, social media, official state reports and veterinary practitioners. Once information is confirmed, it is immediately posted on this website and messages sent to all states and horse organizations by email. Daily updates are posted until each outbreak is contained or deemed no longer a threat.
The EDCC is made possible by generous donations from organizations and horse owners. Please visit our sponsors that have generously supported this program for the benefit of the health and welfare of horses. To learn how you can help go to SUPPORT.
