Another Morris County Horse Dies From Rare Neurological Disease

Another Morris County horse has tested positive for the serious, but rare, neurological disease that results form infection by the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus. The 3-year-old gelding had not been vaccinated against EEE, and so was euthanized on August 23.

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 system. Both diseases are transmitted by mosquito bite. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes with horses and humans being incidental hosts.

The Morris County horse is the second to have tested posted, and been consequently euthanized. It is currently the peak season for transmission of the virus, by infected mosquitoes.