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Five new horses in New Jersey have been euthanized after contracting the serious disease transmitted by a mosquito, equine encephalitis from the East, officials said in a statement.
These deaths occurred after the virus killed three more horses and an alpaca in New Jersey in recent months. All were euthanized after being tested positive for the disease.
So far this year, 10 animals – including nine horses and one alpaca – have contracted the virus in that state, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
Of the five horses euthanized, there is an 18-year-old gelding horse from Morris County, a 4-month-old gelding from Salem County, a 4-year-old gelding and an age-old gelding from Ocean County, and a year-old A filly from Atlantic County, the statement said.
Horses have not been vaccinated against the virus, officials said.
"As new cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis are reported, we strongly encourage horse owners to check their records to ensure that their animals are protected from this disease or to know if a vaccine is needed," he said. said the secretary of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Douglas Fisher, in a statement. "Animals that have been vaccinated are far less likely to contract deadly diseases such as equine encephalitis from the east. This is the most effective strategy and equine vaccines are available commercially. "
The virus – which is known to affect both horses and camels like alpacas – can cause inflammation of the brain tissue and is more likely to kill horses than West Nile virus, officials said. The virus, also called "sleeping sickness", is rare and also affects the nervous system of the animal.
Officials urge horse and alpacas owners to contact their veterinarians to make sure their pets are up to date with their vaccines.
Officials said that horses and alpacas are not likely to spread EEE in humans, as these animals are considered "stalemate" hosts of the virus. However, people can still contract EEEs against mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, body and joint pain.
For more information on EEE, visit the State Department of Agriculture's website at the following address: NJ.gov/agriculture.
Officials claim that the EEE and West Nile virus should be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis.
The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to help you test both the EEE virus and West Nile virus. You can contact him at 609-406-6999 or by email at [email protected].
Spencer Kent can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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