We are well into the rainy season by now and this year we have experienced a larger than usual hatch-out of mosquitos in our area. Bigger mosquito populations can lead to more mosquito-transmitted diseases. Mosquitos can carry diseases such as Zika, Chicungunya and Dengue Fever. Our livestock can also be affected by the overabundance of these pesky insects and this column will be dedicated to one disease that can be transmitted to our horses as well as humans: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
What is EEE?
This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Birds are virus carriers. When mosquitoes feed on birds, they acquire and transmit the disease agent. The virus is found along the east coast from New England to Florida, the Gulf Coast, and some Midwestern areas, where wading bird populations thrive. The vector mosquito is of the species Culiseta melanura (Figure 2). This mosquito species which does not feed on humans or horses. On occasions this marsh-inhabiting mosquito can transmit the virus to other species of mosquitoes that do feed on humans and horses. It is important to note that sick h
orses and humans cannot shed this virus further.
This year EEE has been found in horses in Louisiana (1 case), South Carolina (1 case), and Wisconsin (19 cases).
Symptoms to watch out for
In horses, symptoms include: tremulousness, erratic behavior, and loss of coordination. These symptoms develop 10 days after infection. For horses, seizures can occur 48 to 72 hours after initial symptoms are observed. There is no effective treatment for this disease which affects the central nervous system. EEE can kill 90% of exposed unvaccinated horses. Furthermore, horses that recover from EEE might exhibit long-lasting neurological problems.
In humans the symptoms present themselves as of a mild flu accompanied by fever, headache and sore throat. In severe cases, fever and headache can be followed by seizures and coma which often result in permanent brain damage or death.
Prevention
Vaccination is available for horses, but not for humans. To prevent mosquito diseases in humans, wear appropriate clothing as well as use DEET repellents, particularly around active feeding times (dusk and dawn) for mosquitoes.
Place mosquito larvicide on standing water around your farm or house. Mosquito larvicide such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or BTI comes in different products from donut-shaped “dunks” to pellets which can be safely applied to water troughs, birdbaths and other water features. These products contain bacteria that produce an enzyme that only affects insect digestive tracts (which are alkaline).
Eastern Gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) or mosquitofish (Figure 3 and 4). can be released in ponds and water troughs around the farm to eat mosquito larvae as well. This live-bearer fish can consume impressive amounts of mosquito larvae. They are native to Florida and the Southern States, inhabiting streams and rivers as well as ponds and lakes prone to flooding.
For More Information
Eastern Equine Encephalitis can be prevented with regular horse vaccinations, sound management practices as well as active prevention strategies. If you would like to know more on this topic, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County office at 863-773-2164.
Further Reading:
- UF/IFAS Extension publication: Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- Some Small Native Freshwater Fish Recommended for Mosquito and Midge Control in Ornamental Ponds
- Florida Department Of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Eastern Equine Encephalitis information
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Comments:
March 8, 2022
During the time they require the brooder they do not need a run. Constant temperature and protection from drafts is the most critical part for their development at this point.
February 18, 2022
Thank you for this! I am in the process of obtaining my first little backyard flock and am feeling a bit intimidated by this whole brooder issue. This really helped me feel more confident! I have a coop set up and ready, but also wanted to provide a run. Do these have to be connected? Can I train the birds to go into it and then back to the coop at night? Thank you for your help.
December 14, 2020
Not that I am aware. Maybe watch weather pattern differences because these can affect the germination time.
December 13, 2020
any special requirements or things to be extra aware of in zone 9B-10, im right on the cusp?
November 10, 2020
Corto y conciso, francamente maravilloso el post. Mas que nada porque para mi, familiarizarse con los requerimientos particulares de cada animal es sin dudas lo mas esencial en la cría.
March 29, 2019
Saludos: espero estar traduciendo todos mis "blogs" para el beneficio de todos! Gracias
March 29, 2019
Me da gusto que este post este en espanol espero que sigan poniendo mas
August 9, 2018
UF has also released flies to manage fire ants. Bottom line: there is nothing more effective right now than chemical control right now.
July 25, 2018
University of Texas are studying agricultural control of fire ants with a species of phorid flies. Is this something we are trying in Florida as well? Fire ant mounds are very difficult to control and they can easily take over a yard. I have tried several different product without any good results. I am trying some products by Amdro, Siege, and Extinguish next. If there were any better natural products available I would much rather use than spreading chemicals.
March 9, 2018
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August 10, 2017
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