Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is concerned about the high number of Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE) cases in the state and is urging horse owners to get the proper immunizations for their animals against EEE as well as West Nile virus (WNV).

So far this year, 158 horses in 42 counties have been diagnosed with EEE (as of July 11) compared with 25 cases last year. Very few of the horses had been appropriately vaccinated and most have died of the disease. State veterinarians say horses in Florida need to be vaccinated two to three times a year because of the potential for exposure to the mosquito borne disease year round