State veterinarian confirms case of eastern equine encephalitis in Tennessee

 A horse in West Tennessee has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a virus that can be fatal for horses and humans, according to a Friday news release from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

The state's agriculture and health departments advised citizens to take precautions to protect themselves and their livestock.

The horse in Gibson County showed signs of illness, the release states. Testing confirmed it was suffering from EEE, and the horse was euthanized.

"Mosquitoes may remain active across Tennessee until temperatures fall below freezing," said Tennessee Department of Health Deputy State Epidemiologist John Dunn, D.V.M., PhD. "The best ways for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites are to wear insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, drain standing water around homes and businesses, and avoid peak times when mosquitoes bite at dusk and dawn."

Although there is no vaccine for humans, the EEE vaccine for equines is particularly effective to prevent infection in horses, the release states. Every horse owner should speak with their veterinarian to develop an appropriate vaccination plan.

"EEE is a devastating illness, with up to 95 percent mortality in infected horses," State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty, D.V.M. said. "While you may not be able to completely prevent mosquito bites on your horses, appropriate vaccines are vital to safeguarding their health and protecting them from EEE and other insect-borne diseases."