Two Florida Horses Test Positive for EEE
Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. | Photo: iStock
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services officials have confirmed two horses with Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE): One in Polk County, and one in Orange County.

The Polk County horse, a yearling Quarter Horse colt, was reportedly vaccinated a year ago and is deceased.

The Orange County horse, also a yearling Quarter Horse colt, was reported as unvaccinated. He began experiencing fever and neurologic signs on March 26 and is also deceased.

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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