May 5, 2000

After a mild winter, Louisiana already reported its first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) or "sleeping sickness" in an unvaccinated Shetland pony in Vernon Parish, adjacent to Texas’ Newton County.

"We recommend that owners have their equine vaccinated against this mosquito-borne disease, if they live east of Interstate 35, or if they plan to travel that area with their animals," said Dr. Terry Beals, Texas’ state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). "Veterinarians in Texas should report any cases to the TAHC or to the Texas Department of Health, so the incidence of the disease can be tracked."

Equine affected by "sleeping sickness" develop central nervous system disorders, such as an irregular gait or circling, grinding of teeth, drowsiness, and an inability to swallow. Affected animals may have paralysis of the limbs and be unable to rise. The TAHC and public health officials advise owners to have symptomatic animals tested, because the signs for rabies and "sleeping sickness" often mimic each other, and appropriate preventative measures must be taken if an owner is exposed to rabies. In addition to horses, donkeys, mules and many species of birds are susceptible to the virus.