A low-cost vaccination might have prevented the deaths of six North Carolina horses that died after contracting Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), according to state veterinary officials. A seventh animal appears to be recovering from the disease.

State Veterinarian David Marshall, DVM, recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from EEE and another mosquito-borne disease, West Nile virus (WNV). The EEE and WNV vaccinations typically require two initial doses for horses, mules, and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history. Marshall recommends a booster shot every six months.

All of the reported cases have been in the southeastern part of the state—one each in Pender and Brunswick counties and five in Cumberland County. But Marshall cautions that it is important for horse owners across the state to remain on alert.

“If your horses exhibit any symptoms of EEE, contact your veterinarian immediately,” he said. “Mosquito-borne diseases peak in late summer and fall. The state has had a very wet summer, and that may play a role in heavier mosquito activity