WHITING, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont horse has tested positive for eastern equine encephalomyelitis (en-SEFF-ah-low-MY-ah-LY-tis), a virus spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture says it was notified on Friday about the horse in Whiting.
Officials say the animal started showing signs of the illness, including incoordination, on Sept. 6 and was probably infected in late August or early September.
The horse was not vaccinated for EEE.
EEE can cause severe neurologic disease in horses and usually death. The virus can also cause disease in other mammals such as llamas and alpacas and in emus. Officials say infected mammals are generally unable to transmit EEE to other animals or people.
Officials say horse owners should consult with their veterinarians to ensure that their horses are appropriately vaccinated.
