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Naturally occurring eastern equine encephalitis in a Hampshire wether
Rudy W Bauer1, Marjorie S Gill, Rob P Poston
1Louisiana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Baton Rouge, LA 70894, USA.
Summary
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) caused a fatal central nervous system disease in a sheep. Postmortem diagnosis confirmed EEE virus in the sheep
Area of Science:
- Veterinary neurology
- Arbovirology
- Pathology
Background:
- Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a serious arboviral disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Sheep can be susceptible to EEE, though cases are rare.
Observation:
- A sheep presented with fever, progressive limb incoordination, and paralysis, indicative of neurological compromise.
- Clinical pathology revealed neutrophilia, lymphopenia, hyperglycemia, and elevated creatine kinase.
- Gross examination showed brain leptomeninges abnormalities; microscopic examination confirmed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis, poliomyelitis, and polyradiculoneuritis.
Findings:
- EEE virus was isolated from the sheep's brain.
- Direct fluorescent antibody testing confirmed EEE virus presence.
Implications:
- This case highlights EEE as a potential cause of severe neurological disease in sheep.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of EEE are crucial for veterinary intervention and public health awareness.
- Further research into EEE epidemiology in sheep may be warranted.