“Despite being rare, the EEE virus is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., with typically a third of cases resulting in death,” said agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried. | Photo: iStock

FDACS officials recently confirmed the state’s ninth equine case of EEE this year, in a yearling Standardbred filly in Gilchrist County, which has been euthanized. This type of virus, known as an arbovirus, is transmitted to horses and humans by certain mosquitoes, which become infected when they feed on infected birds that circulate high levels of the virus in their blood. These mosquitoes include some Aedes, Coquillettidia, and Culex species. The disease is not directly transmitted between horses, from birds to horses, or from horses to humans.

“Despite being rare, the EEE virus is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., with typically a third of cases resulting in death,” said agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried. “It’s imperative that those working with horses watch closely for EEE signs, and everyone who ventures outside in Florida should take basic steps to avoid mosquito bites. These common-sense precautions will also help protect against Zika, dengue fever, and other mosquito-borne diseases.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 38 confirmed human cases of EEE in 2019 and 15 deaths; no human cases were reported in Florida. However, Florida is home to nearly 300,000 horses, with more than 70% involved in showing and recreation, and Marion County has more horses than any other county in the nation. In 2019 veterinarians confirmed 28 cases of EEE among Florida horses. The EEE fatality rate in horses exceeds 90%