Horse disease reported in Clark County

MADISON - Two horses in Clark and Lincoln counties have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis, the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced Tuesday.

The mosquito-borne illness is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system.

Blood samples were sent Friday to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, and the final positive results were reported Tuesday.

Horse owners who already have had their animals vaccinated this year for the illness and other mosquito-borne diseases should take this as a warning. Those who have vaccinated should check with their veterinarians to see if a booster is needed, state veterinarian Robert Ehlenfeldt said.

Symptoms of Eastern equine encephalitis in horses include depression, loss of appetite, drooping eyelids and lower lip, aimless wandering and circling, blindness and sometimes paralysis.

There is no cure. The disease must run its course and has a mortality rate of 90 percent.

(c)2012 the Leader-Telegram (Eau Claire, Wis.)

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