BATON ROUGE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - An increase in Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) cases in horses has prompted Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, to warn owners to vaccinate their horses.
"The rain we've been having creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes. If a mosquito bites an infected bird, Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile can be spread to horses, dogs, cats even alligators and, of course, humans," said Strain.
The mosquito-transmitted diseases can cause inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord.
So far this year, the LDAF Office of Veterinary Health is reporting eight WNV and 10 EEE cases in horses.
Infected horses may show lethargy, weakness, paralysis or even death.
Prevention includes avoiding mosquitoes, using mosquito repellants that are safe for horses and humans, and vaccination for horses. So far, there is no vaccination approved for people.
Ten cases of WNV have been reported in humans so far this year. "We need to follow the One Health concept in which we battle these deadly diseases together in an effort to keep humans and animals safe," added Strain.
Horse owners should contact their local veterinarian regarding proper vaccination protocols during this time of increased risk.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:11:30 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One person has died, following a collision between a train and a car in northern Ouachita Parish. Also, another person is injured after that wreck.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One person has died, following a collision between a train and a car in northern Ouachita Parish. Also, another person is injured after that wreck.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:27:15 GMT
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Board members at Madison Parish Hospital put the CEO on administrative leave earlier this month and they told us why on Tuesday.
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Board members at Madison Parish Hospital put the CEO on administrative leave earlier this month and they told us why on Tuesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:45 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:45:59 GMT
SHREVEPORT, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in the death of a toddler who was brought to the hospital on Monday.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in the death of a toddler who was brought to the hospital on Monday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:36 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:36:16 GMT
WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) – Wednesday, Governor Bobby Jindal signed bills into law aimed at improving gun safety and protecting Second Amendment rights.
WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) – Wednesday, Governor Bobby Jindal signed bills into law aimed at improving gun safety and protecting Second Amendment rights.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:03 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:03:32 GMT
EUNICE, La. (AP) - The "sexting" case against former Eunice High School teacher Jackie Fruge, originally filed in Eunice Municipal Court, is likely to be upgraded to a felony and moved to the state district court.
EUNICE, La. (AP) - The "sexting" case against former Eunice High School teacher Jackie Fruge, originally filed in Eunice Municipal Court, is likely to be upgraded to a felony and moved to the state district court.
