Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an enveloped
RNA virus that causes encephalitis and potentially mortality in infected humans and equines. VEEV has a high
mortality rates and represent a significant zoonotic public health threat. The most pathogenic viruses are
the alphaviruses in the family Togaviridae. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus has caused the most
widespread and recent epidemic outbreaks of disease. Circulation in naturally occurring rodent-mosquito
cycles, results in viral spread to both human and equine populations. However, equines develop a high
titer viremia and can transmit the virus back to mosquito populations. As such, the early recognition and control
of viral infection in equine populations is strongly associated with prevention of epidemic spread of the virus
and limiting of disease incidence in human populations. At present, no vaccines or drugs are available that
prevent or cure diseases caused by VEEV.

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