VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reporting Michigan’s first case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a domestic animal for 2024.
The department says the disease was detected in a Standardbred filly from Van Buren County and that the horse was unvaccinated against EEE. They say the case highlights the importance of taking precautions to protect animals and their owners from mosquito bites.
“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.”
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.
Mosquito-borne diseases, like EEE, are not spread by horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact.
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