EEE in Horses New Jersey has been confirmed in a 3-year-old gelding in Burlington County. This article discusses the recent case, clinical signs, causes, prevention tips, and vaccination recommendations for horse owners.
EEE in Horses New Jersey – Recent Case
A 3-year-old gelding in Burlington County, New Jersey, tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The horse developed clinical signs including ataxia, muscle fasciculations, disorientation, and inability to rise. Unfortunately, the horse was euthanized on October 17 due to the severity of the disease.
About Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, with wild birds acting as a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on infected birds can transmit the virus to horses, humans, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough virus levels in their blood to infect other animals or humans. However, due to the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is considered one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S.
Symptoms of EEE in Horses
Infected horses may show:
- Ataxia (loss of coordination)
- Muscle fasciculations (twitching)
- Disorientation
- Inability to rise
Prevention and Protection Tip
Horse owners can take the following measures to reduce EEE risk:
- Avoid mosquito bites: Use EPA-approved insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, especially from dusk to dawn.
- Mosquito-proof stables: Fix or install window and door screens, and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.
- Vaccinate horses: Licensed EEE vaccines are recommended at least annually; high-risk areas may require more frequent vaccination.
- Stable management: Keep horses indoors during peak mosquito activity hours.
- Water management: Drain water troughs and empty buckets weekly; stock tanks with mosquito-eating fish or use mosquito dunks (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis).
For more information on equine infectious disease monitoring, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC).
