Laboratory tests confirmed what is believed to be the first case of a deadly equine disease in the state of Kentucky since 2008.
Dr. Wade Northington, director of Murray State Universitys Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville, said Wednesday that a horse that died Aug. 18, shortly after being brought to the center, was diagnosed with eastern equine encephalitis. The Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association said the horse came from Hart County in the south-central part of the state.
The horse was exhibiting the symptoms when it was brought here, Dr. Northington said. It was drowsy, not eating and also exhibiting what is known as ataxia, which describes that the animal is stumbling while walking and very uncoordinated.
We performed many tests and one of those tests was for eastern equine encephalitis and we had those sent immediately to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, which confirmed the diagnosis on Friday.
Northington said EEE is basically terminal for any horse that contracts the diseases, as there is no treatment to counteract its effects. He also said that, as of now, no other horses at Breathitt are showing signs of the disease.
I really think this is a one-time case ... certainly were hoping so anyway, Northington said, explaining how EEE is spread. Its from mosquitos, but this is a bit of an unusual thing here in Kentucky. You usually see this in places like the Deep South and Texas; its a little bit unusual to see it this far north.
Certainly we are concerned about this. Kentuckys equine industry is one of the biggest parts to our states economy so this is definitely something were going to watch closely. We have sent notices out to horse owners throughout the state to be on the lookout.
Northington also said other diseases present similar symptoms to EEE, which is why taking a horse suffering from such signs to a veterinarian immediately is a must.
And those diseases are treatable, so you really need to have a horse seen as soon as possible because it may not be eastern equine encephalitis thats causing it, he said. As far as prevention, you definitely want to maintain a good insect control program. Thats the main way this is spread so if you can cut that off, you should improve your chances of keeping your horses from getting it.
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MSU veterinary center reports deadly equine case