OUACHITA COUNTY, Ark. — A horse has been infected with Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture reported on Wednesday. The positive case was confirmed in Ouachita County, and officials said no other horses were exposed.
EEE is an extremely rare but fatal infection that causes inflammation of the brain. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and flies that have bitten birds infected with the virus.
Not just horses can be infected with EEE— a wide range of animals can catch the virus, including other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (ADA).
No other horses were exposed to the infected horse. The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division's Animal Health Section communicated with the primary party and notified other officials of active equine venues within the area.
While the main preventative measures officials recommended were insect control and vaccination, the ADA's Livestock and Poultry Division urges owners to monitor their horses closely for early signs.
Early clinical signs of EEE include loss of appetite, decreased activity, and depression. While early symptoms may seem subtle, over time they can progress to tremors, paralysis, altered mental state, stumbling (ataxia), and eventually death. Animals who survive may have residual nerve defects, experts say.
Insect control and vaccination are the recommended preventative measures.
Those without a regular veterinarian should call the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division at (501) 225-1598 if any horses show clinical signs.
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