A horse in Salem County, New Jersey, has been confirmed to have contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a severe illness spread by mosquitoes. This marks the second case of EEE reported in horses within the state for 2024. The geriatric gelding exhibited symptoms such as fever, ataxia, and inability to rise and was euthanized on September 4, 2024.
EEE causes brain inflammation and poses a higher mortality risk in horses compared to West Nile Virus (WNV), which affects the neurological system. Both diseases are transmitted through mosquito bites. Horses and humans are considered "dead-end" hosts for these viruses, meaning they do not significantly contribute to human infection risk.
In New Jersey, mosquito populations remain near their five-year average. The first EEE-positive mosquito pool this year was identified in Cape May County, with additional positive pools found in Gloucester, Camden, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Morris, and Union counties throughout 2024. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals against WNV and EEE as effective vaccines are available.
The affected horse had no recent travel history, indicating local transmission of the disease. The first equine EEE case in New Jersey this year occurred in Atlantic County.
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn stated: “We continue to encourage horse owners to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against these diseases spread by mosquitoes.” He emphasized that vaccinated animals are less likely to contract deadly diseases like EEE and WNV.
The diagnosis of EEE was confirmed through testing at the NJDA’s Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory.
For more details about EEE in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's website.
