Maine's Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry is reporting several new cases of mosquito-borne diseases in non-commercial farm animals in multiple counties.
The department says emu flocks and horses across Piscataquis, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis — or EEE. And a horse in York County has tested positive for West Nile virus.
All of the animals — a total of 18 — have died. That includes four horses that died from EEE in September.
State officials say horses, llamas, alpacas, emus, ostriches, and game birds such as pheasants are especially vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. They're urging animal owners to take precautions, including vaccination and limiting potential mosquito breeding grounds.
No human cases of mosquito-borne diseases have been reported this year in Maine, but health officials advise that people also take steps to prevent mosquito bites.
