Equine Encephalomyelitis Hits Panama's Horses • But Not Boquete Safari's

More commonly known as "sleeping sickness," this disease is caused by the Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE) virus or the Eastern version (EEE). WEE has been noted throughout North America, while EEE appears in the east and southeast. VEE, the Venezuelan variety, has not been seen in the United States for many years. However, a recent outbreak of VEE occurred in Mexico. Sleeping sickness is most often transmitted by mosquitoes, after the insects have acquired the virus from birds and rodents. Humans also are susceptible when bitten by an infected mosquito, but direct horse-to-horse or horse-to-human transmission is very rare.

All horses need an EEE and WEE vaccine at least annually. Which is why the outbreak in Panama has been so devastating for the horse population near the Darien, where the indigenous population cannot afford the vaccine.

Although the outbreak seems to be focused in the Darien, where mosquitoes are more abundant, the entire country is on alert. All horses have been quarantined, unless they have received the vaccination. In other words, horses cannot be moved around the country, rodeos and horse shows have been cancelled.

The Boquete Safari horses have received 2 doses of vaccines. That is why, while other tour companies in Boquete, who offer horseback riding, are not conducting business now, our horses are healthy and touring.

You can often find Horseback Riding in Latin American countries for little money, but the money that you pay for the tour is rarely going for the care of the horses. You save a little money, but you are only promoting the animal (horse) neglect that is so rampant in countries like Panama.

Tourists who decide to book their Horseback Riding adventures with Boquete Safari are always commenting on how healthy our horses are. After riding in Costa Rica, or other Latin American countries, they seem truly amazed that the horses are actually ‘plump’.

Before you set out on a Horseback Riding excursion, take a look at the horses. Support the companies who are investing in their most precious commodity—The Horses.

 

To see pictures of our horses or for more information about us and our very special friends:

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/horsebackridingpanama.html

 

 

 

Comments

[Boquete Real Estate]

Great blog. Do you guys do shuttles to Bocas?