MDARD Confirms Detection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a Roscommon County Horse

LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a detection of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in an 18-month-old Quarter Horse filly from Roscommon County. The filly was unvaccinated and was humanely euthanized.

"EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases are preventable. By working with your veterinarian to be sure your animals are fully vaccinated, you can protect them from these viruses. This is Michigan's second case this summer and underscores the importance of vaccinations and mosquito control,"  said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "These detections show that EEE, along with other mosquito-borne viruses, is present in the state s mosquito population. Taking steps to avoid mosquito bites is essential to reducing the risk of these diseases for both animals and people."

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.

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 may be 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.

###

 Sign up to receive MDARD news