An increase in Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) cases in horses has prompted Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM, to warn owners to vaccinate their horses.

"The rain we’ve been having creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes," said Strain. "If a mosquito bites an infected bird, Eastern equine encephalitis or West Nile can be spread to horses, dogs, cats, even alligators and, of course, humans."

So far this year, the LDAF Office of Veterinary Health is reporting eight WNV and 10 EEE cases in horses. According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Louisiana reported three EEE cases in horses, but did not report any equine WNV cases.

"Horses are infected the same way humans become infected, by being bitten by infected mosquitoes," said Strain. "We want people to also be mindful of mosquitoes and to take preventative measures to stay safe