12/08/2024

Pine Bush Equine
96 Warn Ave
Pine Bush, New York, 12566
Ph: (845) 361-4917
Fax: (845) 361-1797
Email: [email protected]
Attention Pine Bush Equine Services Clients,
We would like to bring to your attention this important information from The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
The NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets is confirming the state’s first Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus case for 2024 from St. Lawrence County (Norwood, NY - about 5 hours from Pine Bush, NY).
What was found from this case:
EEE Case 1 - Norwood – 5y Standardbred mare
Not vaccinated by current owner, purchased from out of state sale in Spring 2024, past vaccination history unknown
7/22 – owner noticed horse was possibly blind
7/23 – owner said horse was not stepping to the side well, appeared sluggish, walking into fence, got tangled in fencing
7/24 – vet exam: normal tempature, leaning against tree, circles to the right, depressed mentation but was responsive to vet exams/treatment, head hanging down, ataxia on all 4 legs, front legs spread wide apart to stay upright, seemed colicky. Blood samples taken and aggressive treatment started which owners and vet continued for days.
7/24-7/27 – continued ataxia and same symptoms. Mare did not go down to lateral recumbency until the end.
7/28 – owner called to say that horse was doing poorly despite constant treatments and vet rechecks. Horse was euthanized.
Blood samples were sent to Cornell 7/24. The PCR for EEEV was positive and negative for WNV.
What does Pine Bush Equine recommend?
We recommend all clients have their horses up to date on preventative care and vaccinations. EEE is a mosquito transmitted disease so even if your horses are not exposed to other animals, or you do not travel with them, they can still be at risk and vaccinating them will help create a barrier against potential outbreaks. Depending on your location and the specific risks in your area, our veterinarians can provide tailored advice on additional vaccinations.
If you are unsure of the status of your horses vaccines, please call the office at 845-361-4917 or send us an email at [email protected].
For more information on EEE click on this article from Cornell University:
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/about/news/eastern-equine-encephalitis-and-west-nile-fever-equids-2023-update

Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Fever in Equids 2023 Update Monday, November 27, 2023 Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus and West Nile virus (WNV) are two zoonotic, mosquito-borne viruses that cause fever and neurologic disease in equids. Birds are the reservoir host for both viruses....