For Immediate Release: August 23, 2016 (TRENTON) – An 8-year-old Morris County mare is the first reported case in 2016 of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious, mosquito-borne illness in horses. The horse had not been vaccinated against EEE and was humanely euthanized on August 13. “Horse owners need to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “星空无限传媒app animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.” EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than West Nile Virus infection. West Nile virus is a viral disease that affects horses’ neurological systems. The disease is transmitted by mosquito bite. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are considered to be "dead-end" hosts for the virus. In 2015, New Jersey had one case of EEE and one case of West Nile Virus (WNV). Effective equine vaccines for EEE and WNV are available commercially. Horse owners should contact their veterinarians if their horses are not already up-to-date on their vaccinations against both EEE and WNV. For more information about EEE in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture web site at: EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting horses’ neurological systems, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-671-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.state.nj.us.First Reported Case of 2016
Contact: Jeff Beach
(609)-439-2038
Jeffrey.beach@ag.state.nj.us
