The Time to Protect Your Horses from Disease is Here in Northeast Florida

If you think it’s too early for mosquitoes to be out, why don’t you ask your horses? They might tell you that mosquitoes are already driving them crazy, but since Mr. Ed is probably not living in your stables let’s look to the News to tell us what’s going on. On March 16th, EquiManagement online magazine reported 5 cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Florida counties already this year.

What is EEE?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a viral disease spread from birds to horses via mosquito. It carries an 80 percent fatality rate in horses. It’s rare in humans, but among those that catch it, the fatality rate is 30 percent. It is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses to humans because it works quickly and there is no treatment. Learn more about symptoms of EEE and when to vaccinate your horses.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has reported cases of EEE in Levy, Marion, Polk, and Flagler counties. Three of the five horses had to be euthanized and one died. Only one horse recovered from its battle with EEE. Four of the horses had been vaccinated but none within the last 6 months.

According to the Florida Department of Public Health, we can see from 60-200 cases of EEE in Florida every year. With reports already in mid-March, it is possible we are looking towards higher numbers this year. It’s time to begin protecting your animals and your family, today!

At Mosquito Squad of Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra, we want to help you do that. First by reminding you of our Ts of mosquito protection for your yard. Taking ownership of the hazards that can create mosquito habitats on your property is one of the best ways to protect your own home as well as slowing the growth rate of mosquitoes as a whole in your community.

However, what you do on your own is probably not enough. That’s where we come in. You may be interested in our mosquito barrier treatment that eliminates 85-90% of mosquitoes on contact and continues to last for 2-3 weeks. Or maybe it’s our automatic mosquito misting system, which is great for larger areas such as horse farms and stables, that will work best for you. If you aren’t sure which you need our professional team will work with you to figure it out. All you have to do is call. Your horses and all your pets are an investment worth protecting.