Florida state agriculture officials are urging citizens to take precautions since a growing number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in Florida have been diagnosed in horses.

“While the recent rainy weather across the state has brought welcome relief from the drought, it has also caused an increase in the mosquito population,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said. “A bumper crop of mosquitoes increases the risk for more cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.”

A growing number of horses have contracted EEE in Holmes and Jackson counties, located in Florida’s panhandle. More than 20 cases have been reported.

To help educate horse owners and the public about the threat posed by EEE, a seminar was held on Monday, July 2, hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Holmes, Jackson and Washington County Extension Offices