• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
Prior to the start of spring, the National Service of Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) reminds producers of the sanitary actions for the prevention of equine encephalomyelitis (EE), a seasonal disease associated with rising temperatures and the proliferation of mosquitoes, its main vector.
EE is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system, whose natural reservoirs are birds and rodents. The transmission cycle is amplified by hematophagous insects such as mosquitoes, which through their bite can infect equines and, to a lesser extent, people.
Thus, during the summer season and within the framework of the intense rains expected from the El Niño phenomenon, the increase in the mosquito population represents a key factor for the appearance and prevalence of the disease, which usually occurs in young horses.
Commonly, EE develops asymptomatically or with a fever. However, in its most acute clinical form, equines can be observed with various nervous signs, such as depression, altered mental activity, hypersensitivity, wandering, ataxia, hyperexcitation, intense itching, sometimes leading to death.
To reduce this epidemiological risk, the only effective and mandatory tool is vaccination, in accordance with current regulations. From two months of age, equids must begin the vaccination schedule, which consists of an initial dose and a second booster, according to the deadlines specified in the laboratory's prescription (2 to 4 weeks). As for horses that have both doses, their revaccination is annual.
The inoculation must be performed by a registered veterinarian and accredited in a Certificate, Health Booklet or Equine Passport, with the signature and seal of the acting professional. Whatever its support, the data identifying each animal must be expressed, with all the vaccine information.
It should be noted that the acting professional must be accredited in equine health and welfare and will be responsible for issuing the vaccination record and registering it in the Integrated Animal Health Management System (SIGSA). It is recommended to consult the list of authorized vaccines by SENASA beforehand.
Another instrument to prevent mosquito bites and mitigate the risk of virus transmission is the application of repellents in equines. Although the use of these products does not inhibit the possibility of contracting EE, it constitutes one of the actions that can be implemented to preserve the health of the animals.
It is reminded that equine encephalomyelitis is a disease of mandatory notification and that, upon observing nervous signs and/or signs compatible with it, it is essential to immediately notify SENASA, who will evaluate the sanitary situation that arises and attend to the suspicion.
Notification can be made at the nearest office of the agency, by attending in person or by phone; by WhatsApp, at (11) 5700–5704; by writing an email to notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar; or through the web form Notify SENASA. For more information on EE, visit the official microsite.
