posted Jan 23, 2008

A report was recently released from the Michigan Wildlife Disease Laboratory indicating that some populations of wild deer have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).  They have also found deer testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

You may think "So what? My horse doesn't cavort with deer"  But there are probably deer in you neighborhood, even if you don't live deep in the woods.

Mosquitoes are the vector, the transporter, of these diseases.  Even if every horse in the area is free of them, mosquitoes may pick up these viruses from deer and infect horses. 

The bottom line: don't neglect your encephalitis vaccines, even if your horse never leaves your farm.  Potential sources of infection may be living just across the meadow.

Want to read more?  The Horse Journal, Feb 2008  www.horse-journal.com

or the Journal of Wildlife Diseases from the WIldlife Disease Laboratory of Michigan.