Rhode Island Horse Tests Positive For EEE, 3rd Finding This Year

WESTERLY, RI — A Rhode Island horse tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management confirmed. There have been three positive findings of the mosquito-borne illness in the state this year.

This latest case was in Westerly, where a mosquito trapped in Chapman Swamp tested positive on August 19. The horse, also from Westerly, tested positive several days later on August 24. According to the DEM, the six-month-old male Belgian was too young to be vaccinated against the disease.

On August 19, the DEM set 28 traps across Rhode Island, which resulted in 170 "pools," or samples of mosquitoes. The mosquitoes collected in Chapman Swamp are the region's primarily carried of EEE and primarily feed on birds, the department said. Positive-tested mosquitoes were found in the swamp in 2016, 2013, 2003 and 1996.

The department announced the first two positive EEE findings on August 15, both in Central Falls. There have been no positive findings of West Nile Virus in the state yet this year.

Earlier this week, the Rhode Island Department of Health recommended that schools and sports teams use "smart scheduling" to avoid outdoor activities during dusk and early morning hours, when mosquitoes are most active.

In the wake of this newest finding, the DEM is encouraging horse owners to take steps to protect their animals. Horses are particularly susceptible to EEE and West Nile and should be vaccinated as early in the season as possible. Animals should be kept inside during early morning, dusk and overnight hours, when mosquitoes are the most active. Remove or cover areas where water can collect to prevent breeding, and take steps to keep insects out of barns. If animals start to show symptoms such as fever, stumbling, moodiness or loss of appetite, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.