Seasoned with the experience of handling Eastern encephalitis (EE, formerly known as Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE) and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) outbreaks, the state of Florida is preparing a strong defensive line to protect its citizens, both horses and humans, against West Nile virus (WNV). While there is no evidence WNV has reached Florida, officials want to be prepared when and if it happens.

WNV is a type of mosquito-borne encephalitis that first appeared in the Western Hemisphere in the late summer and early fall of 1999. The disease caused illness and death in humans and horses in New York last year. Verification that the virus survived the winter came when it was found in adult mosquitoes in Queens, N.Y., during January and February of this year, and in a dead red-tailed hawk in Bronxville, N.Y., in February (see The Horse of May 2000). Because it can be carried by migratory birds, WNV might invade Florida this year.

In response to the threat, state officials held an Interagency West Nile Virus Response Planning Meeting on April 18 in Gainesville, Fla. Representatives from local and state government—as well as anyone interested in the topic of WNV—were invited. A segment of the agenda devoted to equine response considerations to WNV was presented by William Jeter, DVM, Assistant Chief, Animal Disease Control of the Florida Division of Animal Industry.

“We’re taking it very seriously,” said Jeter. “We’re a few steps ahead by having an excellent working relationship with the Department of Health (DOH), which has helped us to be far ahead of most other states. West Nile has been a catalyst to form partnerships (with the Department of Health, mosquito surveillance groups, and other agencies). By pooling resources, we accomplish more than by working on our own