Fatal Horse Diseases

Fatal horse diseases can be caused by viruses or bacteria, or by ingested plants. Some are highly contagious and transmittable to humans. Horse owners need to identify fatal horse diseases and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of these deadly diseases.

  1. Equine Flu

    • Equine flu (EVA) is a highly contagious viral disease associated with chest infections. It is transmitted by nasal discharge, coughing and snorting.

    Poisonous Weeds and Plants

    • There are a variety of weeds and plants that are toxic to horses. Signs of plant poisoning are weight loss, labored breathing, dehydration and depression. A partial list of poisonous plants includes pokeweed, oleander, foxglove, buttercup, columbine and ground ivy (see Resources).

    Eastern Equine Encephalitis

    • Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a very deadly viral disease with a short duration of 2 to 4 days. This disease is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes, and affects the brain and nervous system.

    Western Equine Encephalitis

    • Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) is found mainly in the west and midwest of the United States. This disease is similar to eastern equine encephalitis, but is less deadly and more transmittable to humans.

    Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis

    • Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (Vee) is another viral disease similar to eastern equine encephalitis and western equine encephalitis. Symptoms are also similar, but also may include circling, colic, paralysis and impaired vision (see Resources).

    Equine Tentanus

    • Equine Tetanus is a neurological disease caused by soil bacteria. Transmitted through a cut or puncture, the bacteria produces a toxin that affects the nervous system. Symptoms include lockjaw, lameness, distorted facial muscles and sensitivity to noise.