A horse has died in Cayuga County as mosquito-borne diseases increase in Central New York.
The Cayuga County Health Department reported it was notified Thursday that the horse in Cato died from complications of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV). There have been no other cases of mosquito-borne diseases in animals or humans in the county so far this year.
Mosquito pools in several central New York counties, including Onondaga and Oswego, have tested positive for EEEV and West Nile virus. Compared to previous years, the number of mosquito-borne illnesses has increased significantly this year across the state, according to the health department.
EEEV and WNV are rare but can cause encephalitis. Those most at risk are adults over 50 and children under 15.
To reduce the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease, the health department offers the following advice.
- Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- When outdoors during active times, wear mosquito repellent and long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks and closed shoes.
- Make sure that the fly screens on the windows and doors of your home fit tightly and are not cracked.
- Avoid standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
- Turning the wheelbarrow over:
- Regular water changes in bird baths
- Maintaining swimming pools properly
- Remove depressions on your property where rainwater can collect
- Cleaning clogged gutters
- Removing unused tires from your property
- Drilling holes in the bottom of recycling bins
- If you own a horse, discuss preventive measures such as vaccination against EEEV with your veterinarian
Further information can be found on the district’s website.
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