Health
Awareness & Issues
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
There are reported outbreaks of EEE in the states of Alabama (diagnosed
in 8 counties), Florida (20 horses) and Louisiana (66 horses). Horse owners in Southern
states should make sure their horses are fully immunized for encephalitis, which generally
means two vaccinations per year. With the larger than normal mosquito outbreak in our area
due to heavy rains, double check and make sure you give a fall booster for EEE.
EEE can be transmitted to humans and has been confirmed in emus and one lamb.
RABIES
There is a real threat to the health of all horses and their owners/handlers. That threat
is the outbreak of Rabies in our area, more specifically, Carteret County. At
least 7 cases have been diagnosed. One of these cases was a domestic cat. The others were
wildlife, mainly raccoons. Any one of us can go look in our pastures around our feed boxes
and find where these clever animals come and clean up behind our horses. Any horse that is
diagnosed with Rabies means automatic treatment for all people that possibly came
in contact with the sick animal.
In giving annual shots and seasonal boosters don't forget that all important rabies
vaccination for your horse. The 2cc vaccination, administered by your veterinarian,
should become a permanent part of the vaccination routine. It will quite possibly save the
life of your horse and you much pain and misery.
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Ways
We Can Contribute to Our Community
One of the lessons of Hurricane Floyd, the effects of a disaster is often long term. The
flooding, which caused the worst losses, took days to peak and days to recede to the point
that help could be sent into the affected areas. We have had members show an interest in
collecting money to help buy feed and hay for rescued horses. We have had people in touch
with the rescue network lead by the NC State Veterinarian College. To date, there is not
storage available for these bulk items but we will keep everyone posted when any request
for this type of assistance, is sent out. We have had two feed suppliers agree to let us
buy feed at a greatly reduced price in support of helping victims.Probably, the most needed items horse owners will need are
replacement equipment, basic things like lead ropes halters and feed buckets. The initial
push for assistance has seems to have died down, but the need for help, will be an on
going project for months to come.
Boots
& Bits
North Carolina has passed an Equine Activity Liability Law
to help protect sponsors of horse activities and horse owners. Part of the requirement of
that law is the horse activity must post a warning sign approved by the state. These signs
are available through the NC Horse Council at the cost of $12.00 each for NCHC members.
Large orders are discounted. If interested in ordering signs please contact
Rhonda M. Seay.
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