With cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis found in horses in 10 counties in New York, the state agriculture department urges horse owners to vaccinate against EEE and West Nile virus.  

“A simple vaccination can go a long way toward protecting horses against mosquito-borne diseases. If you’re a horse owner and your horse is in need of a vaccination, I encourage you to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball in a statement.  

Cases of EEE have been found in Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Washington, Madison, Oneida, Orange, Ulster, Cayuga and Wayne counties and one case of West Nile virus in Oswego County, all among horses.  

EEE and West Nile virus spreads through infected mosquitoes and can be fatal to horses. There is currently no cure for either disease.  

In addition to vaccinating their animals, the state is urging horse owners to eliminate standing water where mosquitos breed, use insect repellent, and remove animals from mosquito-infested areas, especially during dawn and dusk.  

The symptoms of EEE among horses can include staggering, circling, depression, loss of appetite and occasionally fever and blindness. West Nile virus presents with symptoms of lethargy, weakness in hind quarters, stumbling, lack of awareness, head tilt and twitching, circling, and more.  

Any horses showing these symptoms should be reported to the animal industry division of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets and the local health department.  

There are currently no confirmed cases of EEE or West Nile virus in humans in New York.