I just spotted a notice on VirginiaEquestrian.com stating that the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been confirmed in Virginia. The horse had not been vaccinated against it and had been sick for two days, with a fever and neurological symptoms.

What exactly is EEE, you ask? (I did.) According to the release from the VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (from Virginia Equestrian):

Generally, both EEE and WNV (West Nile Virus) are transmitted by mosquitoes. Typical symptoms include staggering, circling, depression, loss of appetite and sometimes fever and blindness. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be prevented through vaccination. Other prevention methods include destroying standing water breeding sites for mosquitoes, use of insect repellents and removing animals from mosquito-infested areas during peak biting times, usually dusk to dawn.

And from Mosquito Control Contractors, Inc:

The disease appears within five days after mosquitoes transmit the virus to the horse. Onsets of clinical signs of EEE are abrupt, and affected horses die within three days. Signs of EEE in horses include fever; a sleepy appearance ; some muscle twitches of the head, neck, shoulder and flank; and a weak, staggering gait. Affected animals are soon down, unable to stand. There is no effective treatment. The fatality rate is 90 percent or higher. An animal that survives may have permanent brain damage.

Annual vaccination of all horses and other equines is recommended. Horses vaccinated for the first time must receive an injection of EEE-WEE combined vaccine followed by a second dose of the vaccine three to four weeks later. This two-dose series is essential to establish an effective immune response. A booster shot should be given in the spring each year thereafter. If an outbreak of EEE or WEE occurs in the area in late summer or fall, a second booster is advised. Foals should be vaccinated at 4, 5 and 6 months of age (three doses total) to ensure protection. Another booster should be given in six months and annually thereafter.

Good information to know. Vaccinate your horses!!