Health officials say an emu in Brandon was found to be suffering from Eastern equine encephalitis, a disease carried by mosquitoes that can in rare cases be fatal.
The case of the Emu was the first time that EEE has been confirmed in a live animal in Vermont.
No cases have been reported in humans, although cases have been reported in bordering states and Quebec. Last year testing of deer and moose samples confirmed the virus is present in Vermont.
Health Department veterinarian Erica Berl says emus are especially prone to the illness.
People who become sick will experience flu-like symptoms. Most people recover, but it has the potential to invade the central nervous system and cause more serious illness.