It’s nearly June, and Florida’s number of reported Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) cases is holding steady at six. Four cases have been confirmed as fatal, with two so far surviving.

The typical fatality rate for horses infected with the virus is over 90%.

Michael A. Short, DVM, equine program manager for the Florida Department of Agriculture, says that the severe drought affecting much of the area has resulted in lower than average infection rates for the spring season.

However, horse owners should not expect the trend to continue once the rain returns