Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services (FACS) Commissioner Charles H. Bronson says this year’s first case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been reported in Union County and he is urging horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against mosquito-borne diseases.

The 3-year-old horse was seen by a local veterinarian who suspected EEE. On March 22, lab testing confirmed the diagnosis of EEE. The testing also revealed an exposure to the West Nile virus (WNV), which FACS officials said may have complicated the horse’s condition.

“Horse owners have done a good job in getting their animals properly vaccinated over the past few years and we have seen a significant drop in the number of equine WNV cases,” Bronson said. “But it is critical that we don’t become complacent. Mosquito season is upon us and the chances of contracting these diseases have, of course, increased. Horse owners are reminded that their animals’ vaccinations must be up to date, including the necessary booster shots.”

In 2004, there were 48 reported cases of EEE in horses and six confirmed equine WNV cases. That compares with nearly 500 reported WNV cases in 2002. A vaccination against WNV became available in the summer of 2001 and EEE vaccinations have been around for years