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

A 7-year-old horse in Monmouth County, New Jersey has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). This is the third confirmed case of EEE in New Jersey horses this year.

The horse had not been vaccinated against EEE in 2018 and was euthanized on Sept. 4.

“This is another sad and unfortunate reminder that horse owners need to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher said. “Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile virus (WNV)