Horses in Belize Detected with VEE

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority has confirmed that some horses in the orange walk district have been infected with Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis or VEE. The disease has been confirmed after samples from infected horses were sent to Panama. There is concern as the disease also affects humans with symptoms being similar to those of influenza with nervous symptoms appearing in children under 15 years of age. The outbreak in the orange walk district has seen 8 farmers reporting a total of 9 cases of VEE with 3 resulting in equine deaths. The ministry of agriculture has acquired emergency vaccines from Mexico which are being dispensed in the affected areas. Controls have also been put in place to limit the movement of horses from the affected area. BAHA is advising all horse owners to re-vaccinate their animals against VEE. They also ask that cases of horses presenting nervous disorders, lack of coordination and weakness as well as blindness and convulsions should be reported to BAHA.