In the United States, mosquitoes spread several viruses in horses, including West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE). Therefore, the vaccination of horses is possible for EEE and West Nile Virus. Besides, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) can affect horses, but it is rare in the U.S.

How It Spread?

The mosquitoes can spread Encephalitis with infected bites. For instance, birds, animals, and horses can be infected with this virus through mosquito bites. This disease is prevented by reducing the number of mosquitoes in your place.

Who Is At Risk?

Horses and people with weak immune systems will have a higher risk of Encephalitis. The people at risk include older adults, infants, and people facing any medical condition. Moreover, those who spend more time outside are prone to getting bit by Encephalitis.

Signs In Horses :

The horses who are infected with the virus will not show any signs. However, some horses will show the signs because this disease can cause mild illness or even cause death. The horses with this disease will have trouble walking, depression, convulsions, neurologic signs, and paralysis. These diseases are life-threatening, and it is crucial to get a check-up from the veterinarian immediately once you find that the horse is suffering from these viruses.

Symptoms In People :

The people who have SLE or EEE will have no symptoms at all. But those who are ill will be having mild-flu neurological problems, and it can even cause death. The neurological signs include respiratory distress, arthritis, gastrointestinal upset, Encephalitis (brain inflammation), myelitis (spinal cord inflammation), severe muscular weakness, retinitis, partial paralysis shock, Guillain-Barre syndrome, or death.