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Source: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-703equinevirus,0,7714184.story
Deadly equine virus on the rise in Florida
By Stephanie Horvath | Sun-Sentinel.com
12:25 PM EDT, July 3, 2008
State agriculture officials have warned Florida equestrians that a deadly equine virus is on the rise, with more than four times as many cases reported this year as last year.
Eastern equine encephalitis has been the reported cause of death for 45 horses in 21 counties, including one death in Palm Beach County.
That's up from 11 cases during the same period of both 2007 and 2006, agriculture officials said.
An outbreak, similar to the equine herpes virus that struck last year, is unlikely.
Encephalitis, which is spread by mosquitoes, cannot be spread from one horse to another. Vaccinations usually prevent it.
The one Palm Beach County case was reported in Palm Beach Gardens on June 11.
Encephalitis causes death in 90 percent of cases.
Symptoms include fever, listlessness, stumbling, circling and coma.
Horse owners can protect their animals by getting them vaccinated.
Owners should also reduce mosquitoes by using fans and eliminating standing water.
Agriculture officials said the increased number of cases is probably due to an increased number of mosquitoes.
After two years of drought, the insects are flourishing in the rainy weather.
Humans can also contract encephalitis.
The agriculture department is encouraging people to protect themselves with long sleeves and bug repellent, eliminate standing water and stay inside during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
More articles
Deadly equine virus on the rise in Florida
By Stephanie Horvath | Sun-Sentinel.com
12:25 PM EDT, July 3, 2008
State agriculture officials have warned Florida equestrians that a deadly equine virus is on the rise, with more than four times as many cases reported this year as last year.
Eastern equine encephalitis has been the reported cause of death for 45 horses in 21 counties, including one death in Palm Beach County.
That's up from 11 cases during the same period of both 2007 and 2006, agriculture officials said.
An outbreak, similar to the equine herpes virus that struck last year, is unlikely.
Encephalitis, which is spread by mosquitoes, cannot be spread from one horse to another. Vaccinations usually prevent it.
The one Palm Beach County case was reported in Palm Beach Gardens on June 11.
Encephalitis causes death in 90 percent of cases.
Symptoms include fever, listlessness, stumbling, circling and coma.
Horse owners can protect their animals by getting them vaccinated.
Owners should also reduce mosquitoes by using fans and eliminating standing water.
Agriculture officials said the increased number of cases is probably due to an increased number of mosquitoes.
After two years of drought, the insects are flourishing in the rainy weather.
Humans can also contract encephalitis.
The agriculture department is encouraging people to protect themselves with long sleeves and bug repellent, eliminate standing water and stay inside during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
More articles