Equine encephalitis cases quadrupled this year: Vaccinate your horses.
Eastern equine encephalitis cases are on the rise in Florida, with four times as many infections in the first six months of this year as for the same time period last year.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is advising all horse owners to get their animals vaccinated – and for people to take steps to reduce the mosquito population, as the insects transmit the virus.
There have been 45 confirmed cases of equine encephalitis so far this year. One last month involved a Palm Beach County horse that had to be euthanized. The disease is 90 percent fatal to horses. Symptoms include fever, listlessness, stumbling and circling.
There also has been one confirmed case of West Nile virus, which also is transmitted by mosquitoes, in a Madison County horse.
While vaccines aren’t foolproof, they are critical in fighting mosquito-borne viruses. State officials say owners should check with their vets to make sure their horses’ vaccinations and boosters are current
Click here for a fact sheet on Eastern Equine Encephalitis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Equine encephalitis also can be contracted by people, especially in rural areas, and can be deadly. Keep reading for what you can do to protect yourself and keep down the mosquito population.
How to reduce mosquito numbers, and limit your risk of being infected with a mosquito-born viruses:
1. Limit time outside during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
2. Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce your chance of being bitten.
3.Eliminate standing water in yards, such as in birdbaths and kiddie pools.
4.Use insect repellent containing DEET.
5.Keep window screens in good repair.
6.Keep rain gutters unclogged.
-- source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
