1. EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS AKA: SLEEPING SICKNESS LeAnn Lynn Graber Advanced Vet Science Instructor: Randall Cale Rugby High School 12-18-01 Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office June 2002

2. 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.

3. CAUSES AND TRANSMISSION • Transmitted by biting insects “mosquitoes” Or other hematophagous insects.

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

5. Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis • Found in western hemisphere • Principal animals infected: wild birds domestic fowl horses mules donkeys • Means of spread to man: mosquitoes

6. Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis • Found in Western hemisphere • Principal animals infected: rodents and equis • Means of spread to man: mosquitoes

7. Western Equine Encephalomyeitis • 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

8. Signs & Symptoms • 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.

9. Treatment • 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.

10. Prevention • Use highly effective vaccines before the mosquito season

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