As mosquito-borne illnesses remain on the rise in Maine, the state is warning livestock owners about risks to their animals’ health.
Three illnesses — West Nile Virus, eastern equine encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon virus — have been found in increasing numbers this year, prompting a state panel to recommend a public health emergency for the risks they pose to people. Those mosquito-transmitted diseases can harm animals too, the state’s agriculture department warned on Wednesday.
The “significantly elevated” risk to livestock led to the strong warning. Mosquito-borne diseases have been found in 13 of Maine’s 16 counties this year, mostly in birds but also in a number of horses, a llama, an alpaca and two emus.
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The state also tests mosquitos for the diseases, leading to some of the reported findings. Eastern equine encephalitis kills about a third of the people it affects. It can cause serious health problems for those who survive, as do the nonlethal West Nile and Jamestown Canyon viruses.
The diseases can affect other animals too, according to the department, including pheasants, quails and ducks.
Horses are especially at risk from these diseases, which can cause them weakness, fever and poor coordination. They can die from West Nile, and by one estimate, about 30 percent of those that catch it can’t get up. Alpacas also die from these diseases but less often, and the infections can cause serious stomach bleeding or death in birds.
Unlike people, livestock can be vaccinated against West Nile and EEE. If your horse was vaccinated more than six months ago, it’s ready for a booster.
farm issues
People can’t catch these illnesses from horses, only from the bite of an infected mosquito or from some bird species.
Aside from vaccinations, steps you can take to protect your animals are similar to the ones you would do for yourself. The mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so avoiding outside activities at those times when you can will reduce risk.
Remove standing water around your barn and livestock areas — look for buckets, wheelbarrows, water troughs, plant pots, full gutters or forgotten tarps that could be providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Also consider mosquito repellents made for horses.
The risk will likely continue until freezing temperatures hit. If you believe one of your animals is sick, you can report it online.
