HARTFORD, Conn. — For the first time this year, a Connecticut horse has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the state’s Department of Agriculture reports.
EEE was detected in a 23-year-old unvaccinated gelded horse in Fairfield County. The horse was exhibiting neurological signs and tested positive for EEE virus after diagnostic samples were collected.
Commonly spread by mosquitoes, EEE is not spread by horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact. CT DoAg says that horse owners should be alert for EEE even if mosquito testing in the area has not been positive. There is a risk for mosquito-borne diseases until the first freeze ends mosquito activity.
“The EEE vaccinations for horses are demonstrably protective, highly effective and very safe. Horses without a EEE vaccine history have a high mortality rate, upwards of 95%, making it crucial that these be part of every horse’s core vaccine schedule,” said State Veterinarian Erin Masur, DVM. “While horses are most susceptible to EEE, mosquitoes can also transmit the virus to goats, turkeys, chickens and humans. We urge residents to implement the necessary precautions to protect their animals and themselves.”
The Connecticut Mosquito Program reports a heightened level of mosquito activity and increased virus detections compared to past years. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has detected EEE-infected mosquitoes in 11 Connecticut towns in 2024 in four different counties – Windham, New London, Hartford and Middlesex – according to CT DoAg.
No human cases of EEE have been confirmed in Connecticut this year.
To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, residents should minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. They should also use mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient.
Wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for a long period of time when mosquitoes are active is also encouraged. CT DoAg says clothing should be light-colored, loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
Around the house, be sure that door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair. When sleeping outdoors, use tents or mosquito netting in an unscreened structure. CT DoAg also says to cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nests when outdoors.
In coordination with their veterinarian, horse owners should administer the initial two-dose vaccine series, four to six weeks apart. They should also administer regular boosters at least once a year. CT DoAg says to consult with your veterinarian if boosters are needed every six months. It is also recommended to give vaccinations at least one month prior to mosquito season to develop protective immunity.
Removing sources of standing water will also help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. CT DoAg says to clean and refill water troughs and apply fly sprays containing pyrethrin regularly.
If a horse shows signs of hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, head tilt, head pressing, incoordination, drowsiness, recumbency, colic or death, owners should call a veterinarian to determine a diagnosis and treatment, CT DoAg recommends.
Neurologic diseases of domestic animals, such as EEE, West Nile Virus and Rabies, are reportable to the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or by clicking here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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