Horse Health

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WNV

EIA is a viral disease of members of the horse family.  Diagnosed in the United States in 1888, EIA has commanded a great deal of attention over the years. There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. EIA is often difficult to differentiate from other fever-producing diseases, including influenza, anthrax,  and equine encephalitis.

EVA enter the limelight of the horse industry following a 1984 epidemic on a large number of Thoroughbred breeding farms in Kentucky. Prior to this outbreak, no outbreaks of EVA had previously been reported in Thoroughbreds in North America.  It is an acute, contagious viral disease known to affect horses and other members of the equid family. It is not transmissible to humans or other domestic species. Similar to rhinopneumonitis and influenza, EVA is considered a viral infection of the equine respiratory tract.

WNV short for West Nile Virus affected thousands of horses in 40 of the 51 states in 2002.  Since it is transmitted by mosquitoes, this virus has the potential to affect livestock and poultry almost anywhere. 

Clinical signs of WNV infection in horses include weakness of limbs, partial paralysis, muscle twitching, stumbling or in-coordination, depression or apprehension,  or sometimes even death. Fever is not often observed.

You can decrease the chances of your animals being exposed to WNV by decreasing their exposure to adult mosquitoes. The best way to do this is by removing any sources of standing water in which mosquitoes can breed.  Clean the water trough at least once a month.  If your horses are kept in stables, screen the stalls during the peek mosquito seasons.  To check on WNV outbreaks or other equine health alerts, click on any southern state below.

Pneumonia (lung infection) refers to inflammation of the lungs due to a bacterial infection.  Most horses get pneumonia by inhaling bacteria. The lungs are usually able to discharge the bacteria. However, if your horse has a weak immune system, or has taken in a large dose of bacteria, the horse may not be able to get rid of the bacteria, and pneumonia will develop.

Risk factors for bacterial pneumonia include a recent viral upper respiratory infection, long-distance transport, overcrowded barns, over training, and choking.  Clinical signs of pneumonia are fever, rapid or difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, weight loss or decreased appetite, swollen lymph nodes or cough.