A viral disease, EEE affects the central nervous system and is transmitted to equids by infected mosquitoes. | Photo: iStock

A 12-year-old Camden County, New Jersey, gelding has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). This is the second reported case of EEE in New Jersey horses in 2018.

The horse had not been vaccinated against EEE and was euthanized on Aug. 27.

“With this being our second case of Eastern equine encephalitis reported in the last two weeks, we are reminding horse owners of the high importance of having their animals vaccinated against diseases spread by mosquitoes,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus