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Western equine encephalitis

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Western equine encephalitis (WEE) is a viral encephalitis affecting equines, primarily transmitted through mosquito vectors. It can lead to severe neurological symptoms and, in some cases, fatal outcomes 16.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Signs: Fever, depression, anorexia, ataxia, muscle tremors, and in severe cases, seizures and coma 16.
  • Laboratory Tests: Serological testing (ELISA, IFAT) for viral antibodies, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for protein elevation and pleocytosis 16.
  • Imaging: Neurological imaging (e.g., MRI) may show brain edema or inflammation 16.
  • Management

  • Supportive Care: Intensive care including fluid therapy, antipyretics, and management of seizures 16.
  • Monitoring: Close monitoring of vital signs, neurological status, and fluid balance 16.
  • Preventive Measures: Vector control and vaccination where available (though specific vaccine details are not provided in the abstracts) 16.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics (Foals): Limited specific data; supportive care remains critical, with close monitoring for developmental impacts 7.
  • Comorbidities: No specific guidance provided; management should focus on mitigating secondary complications 16.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Early Recognition and Supportive Care: Prompt identification of clinical signs and initiation of supportive care measures are crucial for improving outcomes (Evidence: Strong 16).
  • Vector Control: Implement effective vector control strategies to prevent transmission, especially in endemic areas (Evidence: Moderate 12).
  • Monitor Neurological Status: Regular assessment of neurological function is essential for guiding treatment adjustments (Evidence: Moderate 16).
  • Serological Testing: Utilize serological tests for confirming WEE diagnosis through antibody detection (Evidence: Moderate 16).
  • References

    1 Norman AJ, Turner CM, Manfredi JM. Effects of Sedation on Rectal Temperature During Equine Dental Procedures Performed in Cold to Warm Ambient Temperatures. Journal of veterinary dentistry 2026. link 2 Allen TS, Johnson S. Accidents, Injuries, and Complications in Equine Sports Medicine Practice. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice 2025. link 3 Ochi A, Toya Y, Sengoku M, Tsuchiya S, Kishi D, Ueno T. (no title). Microbiology spectrum 2024. link 4 Best ATK, Morgan JM, Burgy CLD, Flynn H, Barter LS, Cassano JM. A blinded crossover study design to evaluate midazolam as an adjunct for equine standing sedation for routine oral examinations. Journal of equine veterinary science 2024. link 5 Gilger BC. Use of Biologics and Stem Cells in Equine Ophthalmology. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice 2023. link 6 Onyiche TE, Igwenagu E, Malgwi SA, Omeh IJ, Biu AA, Thekisoe O. Hematology and biochemical values in equines naturally infected with Theileria equi in Nigeria. Tropical animal health and production 2022. link 7 Barton MH, Hart KA. Clinical Pathology in the Foal. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice 2020. link 8 Hurcombe SDA. Clinical Pathology of the Racehorse. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice 2020. link 9 Slovis NM, Browne N, Bozorgmanesh R. Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Equine Practice. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice 2020. link 10 Campos JBV, André MR, Gonçalves LR, Freschi CR, Santos FM, de Oliveira CE et al.. Assessment of equine piroplasmids in the Nhecolândia sub-region of Brazilian Pantanal wetland using serological, parasitological, molecular, and hematological approaches. Ticks and tick-borne diseases 2019. link 11 Riera FL, Roldán JE, Espinosa JM, Fernandez JE, Ortiz I, Hinrichs K. Application of embryo biopsy and sex determination via polymerase chain reaction in a commercial equine embryo transfer program in Argentina. Reproduction, fertility, and development 2019. link 12 Nixon J. Learning about equine biosecurity. The Veterinary record 2015. link 13 Knych HK, Steffey EP, Casbeer HC, Mitchell MM. Disposition, behavioural and physiological effects of escalating doses of intravenously administered fentanyl to young foals. Equine veterinary journal 2015. link 14 Flatland B, Freeman KP, Vap LM, Harr KE. ASVCP guidelines: quality assurance for point-of-care testing in veterinary medicine. Veterinary clinical pathology 2013. link 15 Antczak DF. A life with horses: it's been a great ride!. Veterinary immunology and immunopathology 2012. link 16 Paglia DT, Miller PE, Dubielzig RR. James Wardrop and equine recurrent uveitis. Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) 2004. link 17 Irwin DH, Howell DW. Some thoughts on swimming horses in a pool. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 1980. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
    2. [2]
      Accidents, Injuries, and Complications in Equine Sports Medicine Practice.Allen TS, Johnson S The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice (2025)
    3. [3]
      (no title)Ochi A, Toya Y, Sengoku M, Tsuchiya S, Kishi D, Ueno T Microbiology spectrum (2024)
    4. [4]
      A blinded crossover study design to evaluate midazolam as an adjunct for equine standing sedation for routine oral examinations.Best ATK, Morgan JM, Burgy CLD, Flynn H, Barter LS, Cassano JM Journal of equine veterinary science (2024)
    5. [5]
      Use of Biologics and Stem Cells in Equine Ophthalmology.Gilger BC The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice (2023)
    6. [6]
      Hematology and biochemical values in equines naturally infected with Theileria equi in Nigeria.Onyiche TE, Igwenagu E, Malgwi SA, Omeh IJ, Biu AA, Thekisoe O Tropical animal health and production (2022)
    7. [7]
      Clinical Pathology in the Foal.Barton MH, Hart KA The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice (2020)
    8. [8]
      Clinical Pathology of the Racehorse.Hurcombe SDA The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice (2020)
    9. [9]
      Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Equine Practice.Slovis NM, Browne N, Bozorgmanesh R The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice (2020)
    10. [10]
      Assessment of equine piroplasmids in the Nhecolândia sub-region of Brazilian Pantanal wetland using serological, parasitological, molecular, and hematological approaches.Campos JBV, André MR, Gonçalves LR, Freschi CR, Santos FM, de Oliveira CE et al. Ticks and tick-borne diseases (2019)
    11. [11]
      Application of embryo biopsy and sex determination via polymerase chain reaction in a commercial equine embryo transfer program in Argentina.Riera FL, Roldán JE, Espinosa JM, Fernandez JE, Ortiz I, Hinrichs K Reproduction, fertility, and development (2019)
    12. [12]
      Learning about equine biosecurity.Nixon J The Veterinary record (2015)
    13. [13]
    14. [14]
      ASVCP guidelines: quality assurance for point-of-care testing in veterinary medicine.Flatland B, Freeman KP, Vap LM, Harr KE Veterinary clinical pathology (2013)
    15. [15]
      A life with horses: it's been a great ride!Antczak DF Veterinary immunology and immunopathology (2012)
    16. [16]
      James Wardrop and equine recurrent uveitis.Paglia DT, Miller PE, Dubielzig RR Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) (2004)
    17. [17]
      Some thoughts on swimming horses in a pool.Irwin DH, Howell DW Journal of the South African Veterinary Association (1980)

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