DATCP: Drought ease brings out mosquitoes and heightened risk of illness among horses

Contact: Raechelle Cline, 608-224-5005, raechelle.cline@wi.gov

Jim Dick, Communications Director, 608-224-5020, jim.dick@wi.gov

MADISON – After nearly two months of drought conditions, mosquitoes have wasted little time hatching after recent rains, which elevates the need for horse owners to vaccinate their animals against Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus, two diseases that together have stricken hundreds of horses in Wisconsin since 2001.

“The drought we have experienced in the last couple of months may have given us a false sense of security when it comes to mosquitoes,” says State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Ehlenfeldt of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “Cases have now emerged in Illinois and Michigan, demonstrating that the viruses may be ready to re-emerge in Wisconsin.”

Horses require two doses of the vaccination initially, and then boosters at least annually. “We don’t recommend administering the vaccinations yourself. Work with your veterinarian, so you get the best formulation for your horse and advice about additional boosters later in the season,” Ehlenfeldt says.

Both WNV and EEE are caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, and both may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. EEE kills about 90 percent of horses that it strikes, and WNV kills in more than a third of all equine cases. Symptoms are similar for both diseases: depression, appetite loss, drooping eyelids and lower lip, fever, weakness, twitching, paralysis or lack of coordination, aimless wandering, circling and blindness.

Neither of the viruses is contagious between horses. While humans may also be infected by both WNV and EEE, it does not pass between people and horses. Mosquitos biting warm-blooded animals is the only route of transmission.

Besides vaccination, Ehlenfeldt recommends taking other steps to limit horses’ exposure to mosquitoes:

Remove items from surrounding property that could collect stagnant water such as old tires, tin cans, plastic containers.

Keep rain gutters clean and draining properly.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs, and drain water from pool covers.

Turn wading pools and wheelbarrows upside down when not in use.

Empty and replace water in birdbaths at least once a week.

Consider keeping horses in the barn from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.