5 things pet owners need to know about EEE

Concord Animal Hospital’s Dr. Stephen Wilson on what you need to know about the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus and your pet
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On Monday, Concord opted to close public parks, playing fields and all other outdoor recreation areas from 6 p.m to 6 a.m. until further notice to limit area residents’ exposure to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE or Triple E). With confirmed human cases of EEE in our community, area residents are concerned for their own safety – and the safety of their pets.

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CAH’s own Dr. Stephen Wilson explains what Massachusetts dog and cat owners need to know about the risk of EEE to our pets now that this virus has arrived in our community.

1. Let’s start with the basics. What is about Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
   Dr. Wilson: Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, is a mosquito-borne virus that affects a range of mammals and birds. It can be quite dangerous for both humans and horses. 
2. How concerned should area dog and cat owners be that EEE is now in our community?
   Dr. Wilson: It’s important to be aware of the risks and to protect yourself and your human family from EEE, but the risk of cats and dogs contracting EEE is low. Both EEE and West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne illness, have been identified in cats and dogs but these cases are very rare. Most cats or dogs infected with these viruses recover fully. 
3. How is EEE transmitted?
   Dr. Wilson: Both humans and our pets can only be infected with EEE from the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can’t be passed between animals, so there is no risk of a pet passing this illness to another pet or human or visa versa.
4. What symptoms should owners be looking for?
   Dr. Wilson: When an animal contracts EEE, symptoms might include fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Since the EEE virus can cause encephalitis or swelling of brain tissue, you may also observe loss of coordination, circling, irritability, convulsions, blindness, or even coma.
   Any of these symptoms warrant a visit to your veterinarian. While it’s unlikely that they are due to EEE in your dog or cat, it is possible and we can offer supportive care. If symptoms aren't due to EEE there is something else ailing your pet that we can help identity and manage or treat.
5. What can dog and cat owners do to prevent their pet from contracting the EEE virus?
   Dr. Wilson: Don’t use insect repellents that are labelled for humans. These will likely do more harm than good since pets are likely to ingest the repellent when licking and grooming themselves and other pets. There are repellents designed for use in animals but read labels and usage instructions carefully to make sure they are safe for pets. Instead, protect your pet by protecting yourself. Don't go outside with your pet at dawn or dusk – times of peak mosquito activity. Heed local warnings and recommendations. Eliminate stagnant and standing water and piles of leaves, lawn clipping and other organic matter that can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 

What about other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and other parasites?
​Learn more about heartworm and other illness that can be transmitted to our pets by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

Learn more