What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis? 

Eastern Equine Encephalitis also known as the sleeping sickness, is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted by mosquitoes.

Clinical Signs: Clinical signs and symptoms of eastern equine encephalitis include the following: 

• Depression and anorexia; initially without a fever when initially infected 
• Moderate to high fever 
• Lack of appetite 
• Lethargy/drowsiness 
• Neurologic signs- onset of neurologic disease is frequently sudden and progressive 
  • Periods of hyperexcitability, apprehension and/or drowsiness 
  • Fine tremors and fasciculations of the face and neck muscles 
  • Convulsions 
  • Cranial nerve paralysis-facial paralysis and weakness of the tongue are very common 
  • Head tilt, droopy lip, muzzle deviation
  • Weakness, ataxia, and incoordination
  • Complete paralysis of one or more limbs 
  • Colic 
  • Recumbency 
  • Death 

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made by a veterinarian by measuring titers in serum (a component of whole blood) using an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or, less commonly, with PCR or CSF (cerebrospinal fluid). 

Treatment: There is no cure for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Supportive care is administered in horses which show clinical signs. 

Prevention:  Vaccination for EEE is highly effective and is recommended as a core vaccination.