The following information on diseases confirmed in Florida was provided by the Equine Disease Communication Center.
West Nile Virus
On August 18, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received confirmation of one horse in Levy County that tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The 8-year old mare, which was last vaccinated approximately five years ago, became clinical on August 10 and was euthanized on August 11 due to a poor prognosis. This is the first reported WNV case this year in Florida.
Strangles
On August 10, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services placed one premises under quarantine in Pasco County for strangles. One of the 31 horse on the property is showing clinical signs at this time. On August 14, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services placed one premises under quarantine in Marion County for exposure of strangles. None of the 33 horses on the property are showing clinical signs at this time.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
On August 8, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received confirmation of one horse in Levy County that tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The one-year old Thoroughbred stallion with an unknown vaccination history became clinical on August 1 and was humanely euthanized on August 2 due to a poor prognosis.
On August 6, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received confirmation of one horse in Volusia County that tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis. The yearling Miniature Horse was last vaccinated in January of 2018. She became clinical on August 1 and was humanely euthanized on the same day due to a poor prognosis.
On July 31, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received confirmation of three horses at separate premises in separate towns in Marion County that tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis.
A one-year old Quarter Horse mare with an unknown vaccination history became clinical on July 24 and was humanely euthanized on July 25 due to a poor prognosis.
A yearling Thoroughbred colt with an unknown vaccination history became clinical on July 21 and was humanely euthanized on July 22 due to a poor prognosis.
A yearling pony stallion that had not been vaccinated became clinical on July 20 and was humanely euthanized on July 22 due to a poor prognosis.
This year, there have been 51 reported cases of EEE in Florida.
