Another Connecticut Horse Diagnosed with EEE
The case marks the fourth New London County horse confirmed EEE-positive this month. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CDA) confirmed on Sept. 20 that a fourth New London County horse tested positive for Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE). The undervaccinated 7-year-old Miniature Horse mare began showing clinical signs, including circling, leaning, and shaking, with sudden onset and progressive decline on Sept. 13. The horse had no recent travel history and was euthanized.

Of the three Connecticut horses previously confirmed in September, two were euthanized and one was reported to be recovering with treatment.

EEE 101

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States

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