Michigan’s first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in 2024 detected in horse

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan’s first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) for 2024 has been detected.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reported that the disease was detected in a Standardbred filly from Van Buren County. MDARD said the horse was not vaccinated against EEE.

“While this is the first case of EEE detected this season, other mosquito-borne diseases have been discovered throughout Michigan, including one human case of West Nile virus,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “These detections clearly indicate disease is circulating in the state’s mosquito population, making it crucial to protect animals and people against these insects. Preventing mosquito bites will prevent mosquito-borne diseases.”

According to MDARD, EEE is a zoonotic, viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites to both animals and people. MDARD said mosquito-borne diseases, like EEE, are not spread by horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact.

“It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We urge Michiganders 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. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33% fatality rate in people who become ill.”

While there are no additional detections of EEE in animals or humans in Michigan, MDARD reported that West Nile virus (WNV) was detected in 48 mosquito pools, 12 wild birds and one human.

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

• Talk to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE, WNV, and other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Eliminate standing water—i.e., fill in puddles, repair eaves, and change the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.
• Place livestock in a barn under fans, as mosquitoes are not strong flyers, and 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. Contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more details.

It’s recommended for people to do the following steps to prevent 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.

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