Connecticut has recorded the first case of Eastern equine encephalitis this year in a domestic animal — a horse, the state Department of Agriculture confirmed Wednesday.
The horse, a 23-year-old gelding in Fairfield County, was not vaccinated against the disease and had exhibited neurological symptoms, prompting testing, according to a release from the Department of Agriculture.
EEE is a virus that is transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes that are carrying it and cannot be spread to humans from horses or other animals.
The department warned horse owners to be alert for signs of EEE and noted that the risk of mosquito-borne diseases remains until after the first freeze of the year.
“The EEE vaccinations for horses are demonstrably protective, highly effective, and very safe. Horses without a EEE vaccine history have a high mortality rate, upwards of 95%, making it crucial that these be part of every horse’s core vaccine schedule,” stated Connecticut State Veterinarian Erin Masur, DVM. “While horses are most susceptible to EEE, mosquitoes can also transmit the virus to goats, turkeys, chickens, and humans. We urge residents to implement the necessary precautions to protect their animals and themselves.”
People should also be wary, the department warned. The state has seen increased mosquito activity and EEE has been detected in mosquitoes in 11 towns around the state, including most recently in Manchester and Farmington.
No human cases have been reported this year, the department said.
Originally Published:
