A viral disease, EEE affects the central nervous system and is transmitted to equids by infected mosquitoes. | Photo: iStock

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the EDCC said, recently confirmed cases include:

• A 12-year-old Arabian gelding from Holmes County with an unknown vaccination history, which tested positive on June 7; the horse, which has an unknown vaccination history, is recovering with supportive care;
• A 20-year-old Rocky Mountain Horse from Washington County with an unknown vaccination history, which tested positive of June 11; the horse, which has an unknown vaccination history, was euthanized due to a poor prognosis;
• A 7-uear old Quarter Horse from Holmes County with no vaccination history, which tested positive on June 14; the horse, which had no vaccination history, was euthanized due to a poor prognosis;
• A 2-year-old Quarter Horse from Osceola County, which tested positive on June 14; the horse, which had no vaccination history, was euthanized due to a poor prognosis;
• A yearling Miniature horse from Suwannee County, which tested positive on June 14; the horse, which had no vaccination history, was euthanized due to a poor prognosis; and
• A 3-year-old Warmblood from Suwannee County, which tested positive on June 14; the horse, which was last vaccinated on June 4, was euthanized due to a poor prognosis.

EEE 101

A viral disease, EEE affects the central nervous system and is transmitted to equids by infected mosquitoes. Clinical signs in horses include:

• Moderate to high fever;
• Depression;
• Lack of appetite;
• Cranial nerve deficits (facial paralysis, tongue weakness, difficulty swallowing);
• Behavioral changes (aggression, self-mutilation, or drowsiness);
• Gait abnormalities; and
• Severe central nervous system signs, such as head-pressing, circling, blindness, and seizures.

The disease can progress rapidly, with death occurring two to three days after onset of clinical signs despite intensive care in some cases. Fatality rates can reach 75-80%. Equids that survive might have long-lasting impairments and neurologic problems