NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) situation in Florida, The Florida Department Agriculture and Consumer Services reported two additional cases in recent days in horses in Polk and Bradford counties.

This brings the total EEE horse cases to seven in the state–Osceola (2) and one each in Orange, Polk, Columbia, Levy and Bradford counties.

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Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is spread to horses and humans by infected mosquitoes, including several Culex species and Culiseta melanura.

In horses, the virus causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord.  General symptoms include central nervous system signs such as: head pressing, convulsions, lack of response to facial stimulation, fever above 103 degrees, ataxia, paralysis, anorexia, depression and stupor.  Other symptoms may include irregular gait, teeth grinding, in-coordination, circling, and staggering.  All symptoms may not be exhibited by an infected horse.