海角社区

This image of a horse brain cell infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) illustrates the serious risk posed by this deadly mosquito-borne virus. At 海角社区 Diagnostics and within the 海角社区 Vet Med equine team, clinicians are on the front lines鈥攄etecting cases and working to prevent further spread.

EEE occurs in the eastern, Gulf Coast, and north-central regions of the United States, as well as parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean. Horses in areas with dense mosquito populations鈥攕uch as swamps, coastal marshes, and coves鈥攁re at heightened risk.

The sedentary black-tailed mosquito (Culiseta melanura) is the primary carrier of EEE among
birds. More active mosquito species serve as 鈥渂ridge vectors,鈥� spreading the virus from birds to mammals鈥攊ncluding horses, people, dogs, cats, goats, and cattle. While mammals can become infected, they are dead-end hosts; transmission requires a mosquito bite.

Louisiana regularly sees mosquito-borne diseases, including both West Nile virus (WNV) and
EEE. While both can infect horses and humans, 海角社区 Diagnostics has documented an unusual
increase in EEE cases this year.

鈥淣ecropsy and serological testing at 海角社区 Diagnostics have confirmed more than 20 positive
cases in horses so far,鈥� said Dr. Alma Roy, interim director of 海角社区 Diagnostics.

EEE is especially severe in horses, with mortality rates up to 90 percent. Survivors often suffer permanent neurological damage. In humans, approximately 30 percent of those with severe EEE die from the infection.

By comparison, West Nile virus tends to be less deadly. Among horses with severe neurologic disease, 30 to 40 percent may die, while about two-thirds recover. In humans, mortality from severe WNV illness typically ranges from 3 to 15 percent.

鈥淢any survive a West Nile virus infection, but EEE can be unforgiving. Be careful,鈥� said Dr. Fabio Del Piero, pathologist at 海角社区 Diagnostics and professor at 海角社区 Vet Med.

Treatment options for both EEE and WNV are limited and largely supportive. Horses showing neurologic signs can be hospitalized at 海角社区 Vet Med. Recently, for example, Dr. Frank Andrews, director of Equine Health and Sports Performance and a professor of equine medicine at 海角社区 Vet Med, and his team successfully managed a hospitalized horse with West Nile virus.

Vaccination remains the most effective protection. Clinicians recommend vaccinating horses at least every six months against EEE and WNV, since Louisiana鈥檚 mild winters do not significantly reduce mosquito populations.

鈥淚t鈥檚 critical that vaccines come directly from a veterinarian,鈥� said Dr. Rose Baker, associate professor of equine medicine at 海角社区 Vet Med. 鈥淰accines that are improperly stored, such as those bought at feed stores or shipped from the internet, may lose effectiveness. Proper vaccination is incredibly protective, but we see upticks in cases when people become complacent and stop vaccinating their horses.鈥�

Preventing mosquito bites is equally important. This includes personal and environmental measures, such as eliminating standing water and using appropriate repellents. 海角社区 Diagnostics and 海角社区 Vet Med clinicians report positive cases to the Louisiana State Veterinarian鈥檚 Office, which coordinates with local health authorities to increase mosquito control in affected areas鈥攑rotecting both animals and people.

EEE is one of several life-threatening diseases diagnosed by 海角社区 Diagnostics. The team provides rapid, accurate disease detection through tissue and serum testing, as well as post-mortem diagnostics. 海角社区 Diagnostics also supports the statewide mosquito-virus surveillance programs.