EEE Spreads in South Carolina

Fillies in Horry and Edgefield counties are the newest equine cases for 2020.
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EEE Spreads in South Carolina
Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. | Photo: iStock
Following confirmation of South Carolina’s first case of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) in 2020, in Marion County, officials have identified two additional counties with horses that have tested positive for EEE.

Clemson Livestock Poultry Health (CLPH) has confirmed Horry and Edgefield county horses with the disease:

  • A yearling Quarter Horse filly in Horry County with an unknown vaccination status that was euthanized.
  • A 2-year-old vaccinated Miniature Horse filly in Edgefield County that is reported as recovering and under voluntary quarantine.

EEE 101

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.

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