A third confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in Ocean County, New Jersey. The affected horse, a 28-year-old Grade breed mare that was unvaccinated, exhibited symptoms including depression, front and rear ataxia, disorientation, and falling. Due to clinical deterioration, the horse was humanely euthanized.
This case follows previous diagnoses of EEE in Gloucester and Salem Counties in September and October 2023. Notably, the current incident occurred beyond the expected mosquito-borne disease season for New Jersey. Despite this anomaly, most regions in the state have reported mosquito populations near the five-year average.
The horse had no recent travel history, suggesting local transmission of the disease within New Jersey. Based on clinical history, it is possible that exposure to EEE happened during an unusually warm period at the end of mosquito season.
Livestock owners are urged to vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus (WNV), EEE, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Effective vaccines for these diseases are available commercially. Horse owners should consult with their veterinarians if their horses are not up-to-date on vaccinations.
"We continue to encourage horse owners to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against these diseases spread by mosquitoes," said New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joseph Atchison III. "Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus."
For further information about EEE in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's website at: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/diseaseworksheets.html
