The Equine Disease Communication Center reported Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Michigan and West Nile virus (WNV) in South Carolina and Idaho. Following are the reports.
Michigan EEE
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development received confirmation of an unvaccinated 10-year-old Morgan mare from Clare County that tested positive for EEEE. The horse developed a sudden onset of neurologic disease, including head pressing, hyperexcitability, muscle fasciculations and ataxia in the hind limbs. The horse was euthanized. No quarantines were issued. This bring the number of reported cases of EEE in Michigan for 2017 to three, with one each from Clare, Roscommon and Wexford Counties.
South Carolina’s First 2017 Equine WNV Case
The South Carolina State Veterinarian’s office confirmed the first positive WNV case in 2017. The affected 16-year old Paint gelding from Colleton County was not vaccinated and was euthanized. For more information go to https://www.clemson.edu/public/lph/ahp/disease-info/index.html and https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Outside%20Linked%20Documents/DiseaseFactsheet_WNV.pdf.
Idaho’s Third Equine WNV Case for 2017
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has confirmed a case of equine West Nile virus in Ada County. The 2-year-old Arabian filly had been vaccinated as a yearling, but no booster had been given. The horse presented with ataxia and difficulty standing; she underwent treatment and is recovering. This is Idaho’s third case of WNV in 2017.
