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

A 12-year-old gelding in Gloucester County, New Jersey, has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), the state Department of Agriculture (NJDA) reported Sept. 21. This is the fifth confirmed case of EEE in New Jersey so far in 2018.

The horse had not been vaccinated against EEE in 2018 and was euthanized on Sept. 13, the NJDA said.

The other four cases in 2018 occurred in August and September and were in Monmouth, Ocean, and Camden counties. Each of those horses were euthanized, as well