08/14/2024
For anyone who says my horse doesn't travel off property, they don't need vaccines, that is far from the truth. All horses should receive at leaae core vaccines yearly (EWTW.NILE, Rabies). These horses died or were euthanasia over not being vaccinated. Anyone who knows me knows if you get a new horse and we have no idea the vaccination history that we are boostering the vaccine 4 weeks later so we are sure they are protected. 5 new horse cases so far in various counties.
The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry is confirming 5 new cases of EEEV in horses around the state just in the last few days. We are expecting more confirmations as the week goes on. Please see case descriptions below.
EEE Case 4 – Kirkville, NY (Madison Co) Aged Standardbred
Unknown vaccination history (rescue horse within the last 6-9 months), none administered by veterinarian, no travel since acquiring8/5 – normal per owner8/6 – owner noted horse with base wide stance and then eventually went down, T = 102s, shallow breathing, owner started some treatments, called vet8/6 – vet exam few hours later: concern for rabies due to lack of vaccine history and symptoms. Horse was unresponsive to pain in rear limbs, was in lateral recumbency at that point. Vet discussed prognosis and ddx. Recc removal from other horses, euthanasia and test for rabies, arboviruses. Owner consented. Brain was submitted to the Wadsworth Center and Griffin Laboratory. Rabies Virus testing was negative. The brain PCR for EEEV was positive and negative for WNV.
EEE Case 5 – Heuvelton, NY (St. Lawrence Co) 2y Belgian filly
Not vaccinated, no recent travel history8/7 – normal per owner8/8 – owner found horse dog-sitting out on pasture, called for vet to examine8/8 – vet came to examine few hours later and noted: horse could not try to get up, would just fall back over. Vet discussed poor prognosis and ddx with owner. Vet took samples for arboviruses and gave supportive tx. 8/8 later – owner called to say that horse was declining and horse was euthanized. Blood samples were sent to Cornell. The PCR for EEEV was positive and negative for WNV.
EEE Case 6 – Newburgh, NY (Orange Co) 18m TB c**t
Not vaccinated, no recent travel history8/7 – owner noticed c**t was acting off – eating sluggishly, T = 103, called for vet to examine8/8 – vet exam: standing despite displaying neuro signs (head pressing, preferring to lean against walls, exaggerated pawing at walls). Vet thought c**t may have vision issues beginning due to behavior in stall. Vet took samples for arboviruses and commenced treatment, discussed ddx with owner. 8/9 – 8/10 – continued decline with c**t buckling and going recumbent, having paddling activity (a slow gallop like motion), stupor like mentation. 8/11 – owner called to say c**t died. Blood samples were sent to Cornell. The PCR for EEEV were positive and negative for WNV.
EEE Case 7 – Vernon, NY (Oneida Co) 1y QH c**t
According to owner, vaccinated by owner with a 5 way in August 2023. Has not been vaccinated by veterinarian. No travel history. 8/7 – owner noticed c**t was lethargic and stiff8/8AM – c**t was found seizing in pasture, quivering, going laterally recumbent and making galloping like motions8/8 vet exam: T= 101.7 , normal menace, normal CN exam, no evidence of trauma. Vet took samples for arboviruses and started treatment. Seizures seemed to stop. C**t stayed down and seemed obtunded for a while but was eventually able to return to barn. 8/8 later on: seizures resume, circling rapidly in stall, seemingly blind as c**ts bumped into walls and was creating trauma from this. Owner elected euthanasia. Blood samples were sent to Cornell. The PCR for EEEV was positive and negative for WNV.
EEE Case 8 – Wallkill, NY (Ulster Co) 2.5 y QH C**t
Only had tetanus vaccine several months ago, in order to be gelded. No recent travel history. 8/8 - Vet was called to see c**t due to lethargy but by time vets arrived, c**t was already neurologic, but afebrile. Ambulatory vets decided to have him trailered to their hospital. 8/9 – Vet exam at hospital: c**t was dysphagic, was displaying very unilateral CN signs: decreased nasal septum sensation, circling to the right, decreased menace/PLR. Ataxic on all 4 limbs. Vets were very concerned for rabies due to lack of vaccination status. Treatment was initiated. Later on, discussed ddx with owners and received consent for euthanasia and rabies virus sampling. Brain sent to Wadsworth Center and Griffin Laboratory. Rabies Virus testing negative. The brain PCR was positive for EEEV and negative for WNV.
It is extremely critical for you to take the necessary precautions for you, your patients and your own animals at this time. Arboviruses are no joke! We have a long way to go before we have killing frosts, freezes to end the arboviral season here in New York.
