State Veterinarian: Vaccinate now for horse illnesses

Posted
South Carolina State Veterinarian Boyd Parr is recommending horse owners stay current on vaccinations for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), West Nile Virus (WNV) and rabies for their horses. Clarendon County had two confirmed cases of EEE in 2013, one of which was the first confirmed case for the year. "South Carolina's first 2013 case of EEE was confirmed in June," Parr said. "Now is an especially good time to vaccinate or give a booster on previously vaccinated horses. Vaccination is very important in our coastal counties because the majority of last year's cases were identified there." Horry County had 10 confirmed cases last year, more than double the amount for the highest midlands counties. In 2013, South Carolina led the country with 49 confirmed cases of EEE, which is a serious, mosquito-borne illness in horses that also can affect humans. It is preventable by vaccination in horses. Horse owners should consult with their veterinarians to be sure vaccinations against both EEE and WNV are up to date.   To track the cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in South Carolina, see this map online.