Morris Co. Horse Euthanized After Getting Rare Neurological Virus

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Morris County horse has been euthanized after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis, New Jersey Department of Agriculture officials said.

The 18-year-old gelding was diagnosed sometime in the past two weeks; it was not vaccinated, officials said. Four other horses across the state were diagnosed and euthanized in the same time frame, bringing the total number of New Jersey cases to nine horses and an alpaca.

Officials did not say what town or farm in Morris County the horse was from. The other recent cases were in Ocean, Salem, and Atlantic Counties.

"As more cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis are reported, we strongly encourage horse owners to check their records to verify that their animals are protected from this disease, or to know if vaccination is needed," New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher said. "Animals that have been vaccinated are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis. It is the most effective strategy and equine vaccines are available commercially."

Eastern Equine Encephalitis can affect horses and members of the camel family, like alpacas. The virus is transmitted by mosquito bites, and can cause inflammation of the brain tissue. The risk factor for horses or alpacas to transmit the virus to humans is very low.

Horse and alpaca owners can protect against the virus by vaccinating their animals against both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and the similar West Nile Virus, officials said.

Any cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis.