MDARD Confirms First Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis for 2026 in a Clare County Horse

Preventing mosquito bites is the first step to protecting animals, yourself, and others

LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting the state s first case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a domestic animal for 2026. The disease was detected in an under-vaccinated one-year-old Quarter Horse colt from Clare County. The colt was taken to a specialty hospital for care but was humanely euthanized. The detection highlights the importance for all Michiganders to take every precaution to protect their animals and themselves from mosquito bites.

"While this is the first case of EEE detected in an animal this season, there has already been one human case of the disease this year,"  said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "These detections clearly indicate EEE, as well as other possible mosquito-borne viruses, are circulating in the state s mosquito population. Preventing mosquito bites is crucial to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in our animals and families."

EEE is a zoonotic, viral disease transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes to both animals and people. Cases of the disease are typically seen in late summer to early fall each year in Michigan. EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases are not spread by horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact.

"With the recent case of EEE in a Roscommon County resident and now this new detection, it is crucial that Michigan residents take precautions against mosquito bites,"  said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive. "EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., with a 30% fatality rate among people who become ill. We urge residents to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites."

To prevent the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases in horses and other animals, owners can:

• Talk to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE, WNV, and other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Eliminate standing water by filling in puddles, repairing eaves, and changing the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.
• Place livestock in a barn under fans and keep pets inside the home during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
• Use an insect repellant on animals that is approved for the species.
• Contact a veterinarian if an animal shows signs of illness.
  • If a Michigan animal is suspected of having EEE or WNV, funding is available under an arbovirus grant to cover these testing costs. Please contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more details.

To protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases:

• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer s directions for use.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, and other water-holding containers where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

For the latest information on cases of mosquito-borne diseases in Michigan, please visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases for weekly summaries. To learn more about EEE, please visit Michigan.gov/EEE. The latest updates on EEE and other equine diseases can be found by visiting the Equine Disease Communication Center at EquineDiseaseCC.org.

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