New Jersey Department of Agriculture

Memo

To: Veterinarians

From: Nancy E. Halpern, DVM, State Veterinarian

Date: August 24, 2009

Re: First Equine Cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern

Equine Encephalitis in New Jersey - 2009

On August 21, 2009 the first cases of West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) were confirmed in New Jersey equine - the first diagnosis of either disease in horses this year.

 A 3 year-old mare from Gloucester County, with an uncertain vaccination history, was confirmed positive for both WNV and EEE. Signs of illness began on August 18, 2009 and the horse was humanely euthanized later that same day.

Illness in a 20 year-old gelding in Salem County has also been attributed to infection with WNV. This horse also began exhibiting signs of illness on August 18, 2009 and veterinary treatment was started that same day. The horse is recovering. The horse was not vaccinated/boosted for the past 3 years.

Veterinarians are reminded that suspect or confirmed cases of WNV or EEE in livestock species are reportable to the State Veterinarian at 609-292-3965 immediately or within 48 hours, and a neurologic disease worksheet must be completed for each case reported. The worksheet is available via the internet at: http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/neurologic_disease_worksheet_2005.pdf.

Completed worksheets can be faxed to the Division at 609-777-8395. The NJDA-Division of Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory performs EEE and WNV testing:

EEE ELISA ($30.00)

1 ml serum, w/cold pack HI ($15.00)

1 ml serum, w/cold pack

PCR ($35.00)

1 ml whole blood RTT*/CSF**/brain tissue

2-3 days

WNV PCR ($35.00)

Whole blood RTT */CSF**/brain tissue ELISA ($20.00)

2-3 days

Contact Dr. Betty Miguel, Director, Animal Health Laboratory 609-292-1270 or via email at beatriz.miguel@ag.state.nj.us.

*RTT-red top tube

**spinal fluid

The Division of Animal Health Laboratory (DAHL) now offers FedEx service with our billable stamps. DAHL supplies the "clinical package" (outer box with required IATA labeling for biological specimens) and billable stamps. One may call for pick up to your practice or choose to have a pre-arranged pick up schedule. Cost for FedEx 2-Day service is $4.68/lb or FedEx Standard Overnight at $7.24/lb. If you are interested in this service or have questions, please call 609-984-2293.

Laboratory specimen(s), along with a laboratory submission form, may be sent to:

(If sent via courier service):

New Jersey Department of Agriculture

Division of Animal Health Laboratory

John Fitch Plaza, Health and Agriculture Building

Room 201

Trenton, NJ 08625

(If sent via U.S. Postal Service):

NJ Department of Agriculture

Division of Animal Health Laboratory

P.O. Box 330

Trenton, NJ 08625