Melanie Reber
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Friday, August 29, 2008
Horses Dying From Equine Encephalitis
Tom Woerner Harnett County News Editor, (NC)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Mosquitoes carry encephalitis from infected birds to horses, large birds and humans.- Photo/CDC Harnett County health officials are warning residents to protect themselves and their horses against mosquitoes after three animals died from a dangerous disease that can affect humans, in eastern sections of the county over the past three weeks.
Harnett County Health Director John Rouse said one horse was found dead in a stable by the owner. Another died after symptoms were discovered by the owner. The third animal, an emu, died and the disease was found in its blood.
The cause of all three deaths, which happened in areas near Dunn and Coats, was determined to be equine encephalitis, a disease originally carried by birds. Mosquitoes, which bite the birds, then pass the disease on to horses, or potentially humans.
Equine encephalitis causes swelling of the lining of the brain, which eventually causes death.
Mr. Rouse said citizens in all areas of the county need to take precautions to prevent the disease.
"These mosquitoes that carry this virus are out there and they are biting people," Mr. Rouse said. "It is something that is potentially dangerous, especially for small children and the elderly."
Mr. Rouse said there is no human vaccination for encephalitis, but people can survive the virus if they are bit.
"A normal, healthy person should be able to fight it off," he said. "We just worry about people who are sick or are too young or old to fight it off."
Symptoms in humans vary, from minor to serious.
"It can do nothing, or it can make you real sick," Mr. Rouse said.
Mild cases most often result in flu-like symptoms such as a slight fever and sore throat. More serious cases can lead to a sudden fever, seizures and eventually stroke.
Protecting Horses
About half of the encephalitis infections in humans are fatal. There are usually three or fewer cases of the disease reported throughout the state each year, most in eastern and coastal areas.
Encephalitis is almost always fatal in horses, and owners of the animals should take precautions.
"There is a vaccination for horses and owners need to have their horses vaccinated," Mr. Rouse said. The shot is administered by veterinarians and requires an annual booster shot.
Symptoms of the disease in horses include erratic behavior, unsteadiness and lack of coordination.
Mr. Rouse said there is little danger to other animals, with the exception of large birds, such as the emu that died.
"I haven't heard of it in dogs and other outdoor animals, but that is not saying it isn't possible," Mr. Rouse said.
Controlling Mosquitoes
There is one answer to the problem, for both humans and animals, which is to control the mosquito population. Mosquitoes can also carry the dangerous West Nile Virus, which has not been seen in the county so far this year.
"This is one of the wettest summers in a long time so there are a lot more mosquitoes out there," Mr. Rouse said. "The biggest thing people can do to prevent these diseases is protect themselves and their property."
Citizens are asked to eliminate all areas in their yards where water can gather. That includes small cups and containers where female mosquitoes often lay their eggs.
People are also advised to use a repellent containing the chemical DEET and to wear protective clothing when outside. Mosquitoes are particularly bad in the early morning and hours just before dark, so residents are advised to limit outdoor time during those hours
There is another insect problem that is particularly bad this summer: Ticks, which can carry the dangerous Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, are also showing up in large numbers.
"If people are near woods then they need to be checking themselves for ticks," Mr. Rouse said.
DEET can also help repel ticks and should be applied before entering wooded areas, he said.
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