A case of Eastern equine encephalitis has been found in a horse in Van Buren County.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says this is the first case of EEE in a domestic animal found in Michigan this year. It was in a Standardbred filly that was not vaccinated against EEE.
MDARD says this highlights the importance for all Michiganders to take precautions to protect their animals and themselves from mosquito bites. EEE is a 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. In humans, EEE can be fatal.
State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland says the case in Van Buren County indicates “disease is circulating in the state’s mosquito population, making it crucial to protect animals and people against these insects.”
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian says it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness. She urges everyone to take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
