According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), one case of death caused by Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) was confirmed in Rapides Parish.

Mike Strain of the LDAF is urging horse owners to vaccinate their animals, saying “This is a very preventable disease, but often horse owners wait until it’s too late.”

EEE reportedly has a 90 percent mortality rate; even if a horse does not die from the disease, they are usually left brain damaged and unusable.

Encephalitis, characterized by swelling of the brain, can occur in both humans and animals and is usually contracted by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds.

Infected horses become depressed, uncoordinated, develop a sleepy appearance, walk in circles and eventually collapse.

Horse owners who suspect infection should contact their local veterinarian immediately.