MARATHON, Wis. (WFRV) - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has confirmed that a horse in Marathon County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the state's first confirmed case. According to a release, the horse was an unvaccinated two-year-old gelding and is the first horse to have Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Wisconsin since 2021. Three Wisconsin wholesale dealers have licenses revoked for violating state law Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus are viruses that can cause inflammation of the brain. Symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horses include impaired vision, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, seizures, and death. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says affected horses are often found down and unable to rise. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is fatal in up to 90% of horses showing signs of illness. State officials strongly encourage equine owners to speak with their veterinarians about vaccinating their horses for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends vaccinating for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus as part of the core vaccine protocol, meaning all horses should be vaccinated for these diseases. Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus are not contagious between horses and do not pass directly between horses and people. Mosquitoes carry the viruses from infected birds, and the only transmission route to humans or horses is through a mosquito bite. Because the viruses follow mosquito populations, the threat in Wisconsin varies yearly depending on the weather and other factors. The highest risk in Wisconsin is generally mid-to-late summer through the first killing frost. Spike in whooping cough cases reported in Outagamie County, 7 confirmed since August Vaccination is very effective at preventing both diseases, and limiting exposure to mosquitoes will also help reduce risk. More information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus is available here.