HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is reminding the state’s horse community to take action to protect against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquito-borne diseases affect horses, birds, and humans. Horses are the domestic animals most susceptible to infection with EEE and WNV viruses.

To date this year, the State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program has not identified WNV or EEE activity in towns through their surveillance program.
Here are some measures you can take to protect your horse(s) to reduce the risk of exposure:

• Review vaccination records with your veterinarian to ensure that EEE and WNV vaccinations are current
• Consider more frequent boosters in endemic areas
• Reduce potential mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water, brush piles, and removing equipment that may collect water
• Empty and clean water troughs at least once per week
• Keep horses indoors at night when possible
• Apply insect repellent to horses

If your horse is showing neurologic signs, i.e. hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, head tilt, head pressing, incoordination, drowsiness, recumbency, colic, or death, it’s important to call a veterinarian to determine a diagnosis and treatment.

Neurologic diseases of domestic animals, such as EEE, WNV and Rabies, are reportable to the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505. For more information, on animals and animal health, visit the state website at https://portal.ct.gov/DOAG/Common-Elements/Common-Elements/Animals-and-Animal-Health.

–Connecticut Department of Agriculture