SENASA issues prevention guidelines for equine encephalitis

The National Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) has issued sanitary recommendations to prevent equine encephalitis (EE) as temperatures rise and mosquito populations increase. The disease is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system, with birds and rodents serving as natural reservoirs. Transmission is primarily amplified by blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitoes, which can infect horses and, to a lesser extent, humans.

Symptoms in horses can range from asymptomatic or feverish states to acute neurological signs, including depression, altered mental activity, hypersensitivity, ataxia, and intense pruritus, which can lead to death. The disease is particularly prevalent in young horses during summer months and periods of heavy rain.

SENASA emphasizes that vaccination is the only effective and mandatory tool for reducing epidemiological risk. The vaccination protocol begins at two months of age with an initial dose followed by a booster two to four weeks later. Horses that have completed the initial series require annual revaccination. All inoculations must be performed by a registered veterinarian and documented in an official health certificate or equine passport.