EQUINE VECTOR-BORNE VIRUS

FACTS & PREVENTION

A VECTOR-BORNE VIRUS can only be transmitted
through a vector such as a biting fly or mosquito.
Unlike horses infected with an infectious disease,
horses that contract a vector-borne illness pose no
risk to other horses or humans.
WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV) and EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS (EEE)
are two of the most commonly diagnosed vector-borne
diseases in the United States.

2016 WNV OUTBREAKS 2016 EEE OUTBREAKS

WA WA

MT ND ME ME
MT ND
OR MN VT OR
NH MN VT
NH
ID SD WI ID WI
NY MA SD NY MA
WY MI CT WY MI CT
RI RI
IA PA NJ IA PA
NE NJ
NV DE NE DE
OH NV OH
UT IL IN DC IL IN DC
UT
CA CO WV MD CA CO WV MD
KS MO VA KS VA
KY MO KY
NC NC
TN TN
AZ OK AZ OK
NM AR SC NM AR SC

MS AL GA MS AL GA

TX LA TX LA

AK AK
FL FL

HI HI

CASES REPORTED CASES REPORTED

1-5 1-5
6-15 6-15
15+ 15+

WNV and EEE Cases: 2016

60

50
# of Cases Reported

40

30

20

10

0
Jan Feb Mar April May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Axis Title

WNV EEE

Map and graph data reflects cases reported to the Equine Disease Communication Center
in 2016. Not all states will report to the EDCC. www.equinediseasecc.org

BOTH WNV AND EEE can result in clinical signs that include fever,
depression and neurologic disease, and can be fatal. The AAEP
includes WNV and EEE vaccines as CORE VACCINATIONS which
should be administered annually or more often
depending on location.

PREVENTION
PROTOCOLS
1. Keep all horses up-to-date on vaccinations
> Initialvaccination is followed in 4-6 weeks with a booster
and yearly vaccination is recommended after.
> More frequent boosters are recommended in endemic
areas and locations with year-round mosquito seasons.

2. Practice vector control on all properties

where horses are kept
> Use insect repellents frequently; re-apply after rain.
> Keep horses in at night when possible and apply
insect repellent.
> Eliminate or minimize standing water.
> Stock tanks or ponds with mosquito-feeding fish.
> Eliminate brush piles, gutters, old tires, and litter.
> Remove all equipment in which standing water can collect.

SOURCES: https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines/arboviruses.pdf
https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Outside%20Linked%20Documents/DiseaseFactsheet_WNV.pdf
www.equinediseasecc.org