The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier are encouraging horse owners to vaccinate for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than West Nile Virus with a mortality rate of nearly 90%. West Nile Virus is a significant threat to horses due to it causing severe neurological diseases. Commissioner Pate said, “Unfortunately, mosquito-borne viruses like EEE and WNV are prevalent in Alabama’s warm and wet climate. Vaccinating is critical to protect horses and ourselves. I strongly encourage all horse owners to take preventive measures and ensure their animals are properly vaccinated.” State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier said, “We recommend vaccinating your horses every six months against both EEE and WNV. Horse owners should contact their local veterinarian to schedule these important vaccinations and ensure their animals are protected.” Other preventative steps you can take to reduce the risk of EEE and West Nile Virus are: Reduce Mosquito exposure by keeping horses indoors during dawn and dusk, eliminate standing water or regularly change standing water sources and regularly check horses for signs of illness.