The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station Eastern confirmed cases of equine encephalitis (EEE) in two East Texas horses from separate facilities, according to AgriLife Today.
Animal experts say EEE has the highest mortality rate of the neurologic diseases that affect horses. Symptoms include flaccid or droopy lips, dullness, muscle fasciculation, ataxia and head pressing. One of the horses displayed blindness.
EEE, like other neurologic diseases, is preventable with proper vaccination. If it is has been more than six months since your horse has been vaccinated, contact your local veterinarian about getting a booster.
Though a reportable zoonotic disease, EEE rarely infects humans in the U.S.
“According to the attending veterinarians in these two cases, both horses were unvaccinated. On the Gulf Coast and especially with all the rain we have had, if you choose to vaccinate for any disease, do so for these neurologic diseases,” said Dr. Terry Hensley, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory assistant agency director.