Ohio Horse Owners Encouraged to Vaccinate Against WNV, EEE

The Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health encourages horse owners to vaccinate their animals to protect against both of these vector-borne viruses. In 2017, Ohio documented 14 cases of west Nile virus (WNV) infection in horses, and more than half of these animals died. One fatal equine case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus infection was also confirmed in Ohio.

At this time of year, there is still time for a horse’s immunity to build before active mosquito season gets into full swing.  A two-shot vaccination series within a three- to six-week period may be needed if a horse has not been vaccinated in the past year, so planning ahead may prevent serious disease, and even death, in horses.

The ADDL supports veterinarians in reminding the public that the most effective way to prevent these two diseases in horses is to have the animals vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Additional useful actions to control the mosquito population include eliminating standing water in tires, water baths, and other sources.

The ADDL continues to provide testing for both of these viruses by serology and PCR analysis of serum and tissues. The ADDL works together with NVSL to provide serologic testing of blood samples. Please call the ADDL for more information at 614-728-6220, or visit our website test and fees search (pages 11 and 29).