Camelidae and Cervidae Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) is a severe mosquito-borne viral disease caused by Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), a member of the genus Alphavirus within the family Togaviridae. While historically associated with equine species, EEE represents an emerging and significant neurological disease in both South American camelids (llamas and alpacas) and cervids (particularly white-tailed deer). This disease carries extremely high mortality rates (80-90%) and is a critical differential diagnosis for any camelid or cervid presenting with acute neurological signs in endemic regions.
EEE is maintained in nature through an enzootic cycle between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and passerine birds in freshwater hardwood swamps. Transmission to mammals, including camelids, cervids, horses, and humans, occurs through bridge vectors (Aedes, Coquillettidia, Culex species) that feed on both birds and mammals. All mammals are considered dead-end hosts as they do not develop sufficient viremia for onward transmission.
Etiology
Viral Classification and Structure
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is classified as follows:
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