EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS AKA: SLEEPING SICKNESS LeAnn Lynn Graber Advanced Vet Science Instructor: Randall Cale Rugby High School Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office June 2002

What is Equine Encephalomyelitis??? AKA: Sleeping Sickness Equine Encephalomyelitis is a virus that affects the nervous system. Wild animals and birds act as reservoirs. Can also affect humans.

Transmitted by biting insects “mosquitoes” Or other hematophagous insects.

THREE TYPES OF EQUINE SLEEPING SICKNESS Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE) Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE)

Found in western hemisphere Principal animals infected: wild birds domestic fowl horses mules donkeys Means of spread to man: mosquitoes

Found in Western hemisphere Principal animals infected: rodents and equis Means of spread to man: mosquitoes

Found in Western and central U.S.A., Canada, South America Principal animals infected: Wild birds domestic fowl horses mules donkeys bats reptiles amphibians Means of spread to man: mosquitoes

Signs and symptoms occur about 5 days after infection. Look for signs of fever, impaired vision, irregular gait, wandering, reduced reflexes, circling, lack of coordination, yawning, grinding of teeth, occasional convulsions, and death.

No treatment is available. But anti- inflammatory drugs, control of seizures and intensive nursing care will aid in the recovery of mild cases. Most effective way to treat is to quarantine the animal.

Use highly effective vaccines before the mosquito season

Bibliography Aiello,Susan E. Ed.The Merck Veterinary Manual. Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck and Co. Inc., 1998.