Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) is a viral disease that primarily affects horses. Birds serve as the primary host for the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes. Although the disease may occur in other wild and domestic animals, horses and humans are most likely to develop symptoms.

Horses infected with EEE exhibit neurological symptoms. Greater than 90 percent of horses infected with EEE die within three days after onset of symptoms.

EEE is endemic throughout the Western Hemisphere including the eastern United States and those states around the Gulf of Mexico. Cases of EEE in Minnesota would most likely occur when mosquitoes are most active, usually throughout the summer months into mid-September.

You can help prevent EEE in horses by taking the following steps:

• Vaccinate
• Eliminate "mosquito zones" by mowing long grass, draining stagnant water puddles, and removing items such as old tires and tin cans that can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Change water in drinking troughs at least once a week to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Use mosquito repellents and place screens in stables.

Any case of EEE in horses must be reported to the Board by calling 651-201-6804.