Fort Dodge's 'Mosquito Shot' Offers Convenient Protection Against Dangerous Mosquito-Borne...( OVERLAND PARK Kan. March 20 /- A ...),Health

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) in Florida is a strong reminder to horse owners throughout the country to vaccinate their horses against this and other dangerous mosquito-borne diseases. To ensure your horse receives the most complete protection, Fort Dodge Animal Health offers West Nile- Innovator(R)+EWT -- "The Mosquito Shot," the only vaccine that protects against West Nile virus, EEE and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis, plus tetanus, in one convenient vaccine.

This year has already seen the death of five Florida horses diagnosed with EEE, which has a mortality rate in horses of 75 to 90 percent. According to the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners Web site, "If the wet weather (in Florida) persists, 2008 could see a significant number of cases, such as occurred in 2003, when 207 cases of EEE were confirmed (in Florida)."

Florida, however, is only one of the many areas of the country that will likely see horses infected with mosquito-borne illnesses. EEE was diagnosed in 199 horses throughout the country in 2007 and West Nile virus, which also remains a serious threat to horses, was reported in 488 horses in 33 states, including both coasts.

"There's been a reduction in veterinary vaccination in horses against mosquito-borne diseases and whenever that occurs, you can expect to see a resurgence of disease because part of the horse population is not protected," says Tom Lenz, DVM, Vice President of Professional Services at Fort Dodge Animal Health. "Even though they may not currently be headlining the news, it is more important than ever people vaccinate their horses against West Nile virus and Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis."

The American Association of Equine Practitioners recognizes the importance of vaccination against these mosquito-borne illnesses, and has identified West Nile virus, EEE and WEE among five diseases in a "core vaccinatio
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