According to recent reports, the number of horses that have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E) in Florida this year has surpassed the total number of cases reported last year. This indicates an alarming trend and raises concerns about the spread of the disease. Specifically, the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has received reports of Triple E in several counties, including Marion, Polk, and Walton. It is crucial for horse owners to take necessary precautions to protect their animals from this deadly virus.
According to the Equine Disease Map of Florida, there are currently cases of Triple E in four counties, namely Alachua, Columbia, Levy, and Marion.
According to Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Brittany Welch from the Equine Medical Center of Ocala, the virus has proven to be fatal.
According to Welch, it’s rare to come across horses with mild cases of the disease. Although there have been instances of horses surviving, equine influenza is a preventable illness. Typically, the cases that are observed tend to have a significant impact on the animal’s health.
According to Florida Health, Triple E has already infected 19 horses this year, which is two more than the total number of positive cases reported in the entire year of 2020.
Horses with this condition exhibit several symptoms, including fever and depression. They may also press their heads into walls or corners and have difficulty standing.
According to Welch, a vaccine can prevent all of this.
According to her, the vaccine is highly efficient in preventing the disease. In most cases, when Triple E cases are observed, they are usually in horses that have not received the vaccine or have been inadequately vaccinated.
According to the Equine Disease Communication Center’s records, horses in Alachua and Levy counties were recently put down after contracting the virus. Shockingly, only one of these horses had been vaccinated.
According to Welch, Strangles, a bacterial infection affecting horses in Marion and Levy counties, is more common and treatable, unlike Triple E, which is not contagious.