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DEM's WNV/EEE Page
  
News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: August 23, 2002
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM NOTIFIED OF EEE-POSITIVE HORSE; NORMAL PRECAUTIONS IN ORDER

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management was notified yesterday afternoon that a horse from Exeter has tested presumptively positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE.) The horse, which is vaccinated, is undergoing treatment for symptoms that may or may not be related to the illness.

It is believed that the horse was bitten by a mosquito carrying the EEE virus in early August. A serum sample taken on August 10 by the owner's veterinarian was forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Lab in Ames, Iowa with the presumptive results reported to DEM on Thursday, August 22.

The finding indicates the presumptive presence of EEE in mammal-biting mosquitoes in the area, although no EEE has been isolated from mosquitoes trapped anywhere in the state this year. Under the state's mosquito protocol, additional mosquito traps will be set in the Exeter area, and residents are encouraged to increase personal protection, such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and avoiding mosquito bites. Although horses are more exposed than humans to mosquitoes, the finding serves as a reminder that all Rhode Islanders should continue to take precautions against mosquito bites.

DEM's state veterinarian, Dr. Christopher Hannafin, DVM, recommends that horse owners consider EEE boosters for their horses at this time of year, under the consultation and advice of their private veterinarian. Late summer and early fall are considered high-risk seasons for the transmission of both EEE and West Nile Virus to horses by infected mosquitoes. A vaccination for horses is also available for West Nile Virus.

The most common signs of viral encephalitis in horses are depression, stumbling, incoordination, hind limb weakness, partial paralysis and muscle twitching. Fever can occur but is not present in all cases. These symptoms can occur in many equine diseases and should be reported to a veterinarian as soon as they are noticed so that a quick and accurate diagnosis can be made.

Horse barns are environments where mosquitoes can reproduce in large numbers. Horse owners are advised to protect themselves by using appropriate repellants and wearing protecting clothing. They should also inspect barns for mosquito breeding areas and take measures to eliminate collected or stagnant water such as feed troughs and water basins. Horses should not be turned out to pasture and paddock during dawn, dusk and at night as these are times when mosquitoes are usually the most active.

Horse owners who would like more information should contact their veterinarian, or may call the state veterinarian, Christopher Hannafin, DVM, at DEM's Division of Agriculture at 222-2781 ext. 4503.

For general information on human protection measures, call HEALTH's Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434, or visit www.healthri.org and/or www.dem.ri.gov on line.

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