New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine has urged horse owners across New York State to vaccinate their horses against Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV). This is especially important since parts of New York have mosquito activity into late November.

Aubertine is reminding horse owners to vaccinate against these diseases due to recent cases of EEE found in horses in St. Lawrence and Westchester Counties, along with a case of WNV found in a horse in Saratoga County. The state Department of Agriculture and Markets has made veterinarians across the state aware of these confirmed cases.

"While these diseases can be fatal among horses, they are also largely preventable," said Commissioner Aubertine. "I encourage all horse owners in the state to act responsibly and make sure your horses receive proper vaccinations. If you have questions about equine vaccinations and the health of your horse, contact your local veterinarian immediately."

Humans cannot become infected by handling or being exposed to an infected horse. Horses cannot spread either virus to or from other horses, people, or pets. Mosquitoes transmit both diseases from birds to horses