The alpaca and the horse are the 4th and 5th animals infected this year with a serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes

An alpaca and a horse are the fourth and fifth animals in New Jersey to have contracted this year a serious disease, often fatal, spread by mosquitoes.

The 7-year-old alpaca from Camden County and the 2-year-old gelding horse from Ocean County have been diagnosed with Eastern equine encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain tissue and, in most cases, kills any animal. Jersey Agriculture announced Wednesday.

The vaccination history of the alpaca was unknown and it was euthanized earlier this month, officials said. The ministry did not say if the horse was euthanized.

Two other horses from Ocean County and a horse from Monmouth County were also tested positive for the disease and were euthanized "last month," the department said. Last year, New Jersey recorded five cases of Eastern equine encephalitis.

"These cases are a reminder that it is imperative that owners of horses and alpacas be vigilant when vaccinating their animals against mosquito-borne diseases," said the secretary at the ###. ### ########################################################################### New Jersey Agriculture, Douglas H. Fisher. "Vaccinated animals are far less likely to contract life-threatening diseases such as equine encephalitis from the east. Vaccination is the most effective strategy and effective equine vaccines are available commercially. Owners of horses and alpacas should also consider using fans in barns and mosquito repellents. "

Eastern equine encephalitis presents a risk of mortality in horses and alpacas much higher than West Nile virus, another viral disease transmitted by a mosquito that affects the neurological system of an animal, the statement said.

Humans are unlikely to contract eastern equine encephalitis in horses or alpacas, as these animals are considered 'dead' hosts of the virus, but they can be infected with mosquitoes, officials said.

The Ministry of Agriculture has encouraged all horse owners to vaccinate their animals against Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.

Both viral diseases should be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis, the department said.

Chris Sheldon can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @ chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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