A horse in southern Oswego County has died of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. According to the Oswego County Health Department, the horse was stabled near the area where EEE had been found in Oswego and Onondaga counties. The horse was likely exposed to the virus in late July, before aerial spraying had taken place in the Toad Harbor - Three Mile Bay area.
Health officials say horses are very susceptible to EEE if they are not vaccinated against it. If a horse contracts EEE, it is almost always fatal. Officials do not think this horse had received a a EEE vaccination. This is the first death associated with EEE this year. A resident of Onondaga County had been diagnosed with EEE earlier this month. That person is said to be recovering from the illness.
Health officials remind residents to limit their exposure to mosquitos by wearing long pants and long sleeves when outside, eliminate any standing water on their property and use insect repellent. Those with horses on their property should change the water in horse troughs at least twice a week to discourage mosquito breeding.
