The first positive cases of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) this year in Maryland have been confirmed in two Lower Eastern Shore horses. Tissues from two horses, both from the Pocomoke City area in Worcester County, were submitted to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) on July 21 and July 23 and were confirmed positive and reported on July 28, 2003.

“Mosquito populations have been high all spring and mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and EEE are present earlier than ever in Maryland and on the East Coast this year,” said Maryland State Veterinarian, Dr. Phyllis Cassano. “There are effective equine vaccines to prevent both diseases and I encourage all horse owners to contact their veterinarian and to have their animals vaccinated. Prevention is key because there is no specific treatment or cure for EEE or West Nile viral encephalitis