Year’s first horse death from EEE

The first death of a horse this year in South Carolina from Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been confirmed in an announcement from Dr. Boyd Parr, State Veterinarian and director of Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health. A foal from Sumter County that died recently tested positive for the disease. Two adult horses that died at the same farm around the same time are suspected of also having EEE. The disease is a serious, mosquito-borne illness in horses that can also affect humans. EEE, however, is preventable by vaccinating horses. The State Veterinarian urges horse owners to consult with their veterinarians to be sure vaccinations are up-to-date.