Michigan confirms EEE in horse

By Andi Anderson

Michigan's first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) for 2024 has been confirmed in a Van Buren County horse, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The affected horse, a standardbred filly, was unvaccinated against EEE, a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites to both animals and humans.

Dr. Nora Wineland, State Veterinarian, emphasized the importance of preventing mosquito bites to protect against mosquito-borne diseases. “This first EEE case and other detected mosquito-borne diseases indicate the circulation of these diseases in Michigan’s mosquito population,” Dr. Wineland stated. Preventing mosquito bites is crucial to safeguard both animals and people.

EEE does not spread through animal-to-animal or animal-to-human contact. Cases typically appear from late summer to early fall. As of now, no additional EEE detections in animals or humans have been reported.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, stressed the severity of EEE, noting its 33% fatality rate in humans. “Just one bite from an infected mosquito can cause severe illness,” she said. Precautionary measures include using EPA-registered insect repellents, avoiding mosquito-prone areas, and wearing protective clothing outdoors. 

While this is Michigan’s first confirmed EEE case in 2024, West Nile Virus has been detected in 48 mosquito pools, 12 wild birds, and one human, according to MDARD.

To prevent mosquito-borne diseases in animals, owners should:

Consult veterinarians about vaccinating horses against EEE, WNV, and other diseases.

Eliminate standing water by filling puddles, repairing eaves, and changing water in containers daily.

Keep livestock in barns under fans and pets indoors during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.

Use species-approved insect repellents on animals.

Contact a veterinarian if an animal shows signs of illness.

For human protection against mosquito-borne illnesses:

Apply insect repellents containing DEET or other EPA-approved products to skin or clothing.

Follow manufacturer’s directions for repellent use.

Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors. Apply repellent to clothing.

Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.

Empty water from potential mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused pools, old tires, and other containers.

This proactive approach is essential to reduce the risk of EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases in Michigan.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar