Essay On Equine Encephalomyelitis

Equine Encephalomyelitis mainly targets the Equine species, including horses, mules, donkeys, etc. It is however potentially zoonotic so other animals can be infected, such as humans and birds. Any equine of any age can contract this viral disease. The mortality rate for the disease, once contracted, ranges from 50 to 90 percent. The morbidity rate is hard to determine due to changes in season and locations. Although Equine Encephalomyelitis is found in North, Central, and South America and also the Caribbean's, we will be focusing on the North Eastern United States and specifically Pennsylvania. Clinical signs include the equine being quiet, depressed, neurological signs, impaired vision, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, and even having seizes. The veterinarian observes clinical signs, location of farm, season (August) , analysis of CSF (neutrophilic pleocytosis with increased
Pharmacologic therapy consists primarily of antipyretics, analgesics, and anticonvulsants. Horses can be vaccinated with Formalin-inactivated whole. Mosquitos are the main route of transportation of the disease. If there is an outbreak, the farm manager is strongly encouraged to administer vaccinations to the remaining herd. Also, pest control for birds which carry the disease and keeping water clean to deter mosquitoes. The disease is zoonotic and travels from mosquitos to birds back to mosquitos and can infect both humans and horses, humans are incidental host for the virus and can spread it to horses. The disease is not under the reporting list. When a horse contracts Equine Encephalomyelitis it impacts the farmer by the loss of an important member of the family. Horses are pets more than feed animals. The horse is a working animal, they benefit there owner by use in riding lessons or just as a form of transportation. A well trained horse is extremely valuable to its