Deadly horse disease spreads across state

A serious horse disease carried by mosquitos has spread across South Carolina.  Clemson University Livestock-Poultry Health considers it essential that horse owners have their animals vaccinated.  Recent cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have moved beyond the coast to the midlands and the upstate. A simple vaccine will minimize the risk, but the disease is always fatal to exposed, un-vaccinated horses.  Though less common, the mosquito-borne illness can also affect humans.  Clemson’s Boyd Parr recommends all South Carolinians reduce mosquito breeding by eliminating common sources of still water in which the insects lay their eggs.  Draining or washing bird baths, wading pools and garden ponds weekly can disrupt the breeding cycle.  Remove containers that collect rainwater.