Alabamians are being advised to vaccinate horses against Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus after three horses tested positive in Houston, Mobile and Geneva counties.

EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than West Nile Virus. The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30 percent, while the rate for EEE is almost 90 percent.

“Unfortunately, mosquito-borne viruses like EEE and WNV are prevalent in Alabama’s warm and wet climate. Vaccinating is important to protect horses and ourselves,” said John McMillan, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. “I want to encourage horse owners to take precautionary measures and vaccinate their horses.”

The viruses cause inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord. General symptoms include central nervous system signs such as head pressing, convulsions, lack of response to facial stimulation, fever above 103 degrees, ataxia, paralysis, anorexia, depression and stupor.

Other symptoms may include irregular gait, teeth grinding, circling and staggering. An infected horse may not exhibit all symptoms.

McMillan and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier recommend vaccinating horses every six months against both EEE and WNV. Horse owners are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian to schedule a vaccination for their horses.

The public is also advised to make every effort to reduce human exposure to mosquitoes during this time of year.