The Vermont Department of Health says a horse in the town of Highgate has been euthanized as a result of becoming ill from Eastern equine encephalitis.
Health Commissioner Harry Chen says residents of Highgate are now considered to be at high risk for EEE. He said people in Swanton are at increased risk.
The horse was euthanized on Aug. 30.
The disease is transmitted to humans and some animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. Last year, two people who lived in the southern Addison County/northern Rutland County area died from EEE.
Chen said it's important to keep taking precautions against mosquitoes until the first hard frost, which may not take place for another month in some parts of the state.
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