domestic mammals are not affected, but may serve as

domestic mammals are not affected, but may serve as reservoirs of virus. V.E.E. is transmissable to man. The symptoms in humans are variable but it is not generally fatal. Children are more susceptible than adults. The federal and state agencies are trying desperately to contain V.E.E. in the southern tier of the states and wipe it out before it moves to the rest of the country. No one knows for sure if their efforts will be successful. They are requesting that all horse owners, veterinarians, and extension agents cooperate with federal and state veterinarian* in every state to report every case that has suspicious symptoms. Why do we Say suspicious symptoms and what are these symptoms? We say suspicious symptoms because the symptoms of V.E.E. are about the same as symptoms of several other diseases that affect the nervous system. Because these symptoms are similar, it is impossible to be sure until a laboratory test has been made. This is why it is so important that suspicious cases be reported immediately. The symptoms of V.E.E. and other nervous system diseases are: The animal is depressed and drowsy. The head may hang down or be pressed against a solid object. The animal may assume a crosslegged position. It may circle continously with a “drifting” gait until it falls down. Hie body temperature will increase rapidly, up to 106 degrees F., and the heart will beat much faster than normal. There will be a loss of appetite. The animal may died in 6 to 8 days. However, we must not wait 6 to 8 days. If it really is V.E.E., many other animals may have contracted the disease by then.

To whom should you report, and what will happen? First, you should be sure to observe every horse, pony, mule, or donkey you own at least once each day. If you observe any of the symptoms, you should immediately contact your