There have been 13 confirmed cases of eastern equine encephalitis in horses in Florida since last January. While these are not epidemic numbers, Crawford said Floridians should take measures to curtail Florida's mosquito population and reduce health risks to humans and animals. Homeowners should dispose of standing water on their property where possible, and horse owners should protect their animals by vaccinating them against equine encephalitis, which is spread by mosquitoes. Since mosquitoes generally don't travel great distances from their breeding ground, people who eliminate breeding grounds in their neighborhoods can reduce the likelihood of contracting a mosquito-borne illness. Crawford noted that children, adults over age 55, and people who spend the majority of their time outdoors are at greater risk and should take special precautions.
Mosquitoes can breed in a very small amount of standing water.
We are urging homeowners to look around their property and eliminate sources of standing water, such as old tires, plastic pots, trash can lids, kiddie pools or birdbaths. Crawford also is urging horse owners to vaccinate their animals against eastern equine encephalitis, an often-fatal viral disease that attacks the nervous system of horses. Horses that have never been vaccinated should be given two doses three to four weeks apart and booster vaccinations are recommended on a semi-annual basis. The Department, which oversees the state's mosquito control efforts, recommends that people avoid mosquito-plagued areas, particularly at night, reduce mosquito breeding grounds, wear protective clothing and use insect repellents. Eastern equine encephalitis is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of horses.