EEE Confirmed in Three Horses and Two Emus

Contact: Bridget Patrick 517-284-5661

Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development

September 19 2014
LANSING - Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) State Veterinarian Dr.
James Averill today confirmed five cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in three horses; one from
Oakland County and two from Lenawee County, and in two emus from Ingham County.

EEE is a serious zoonotic viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus mainly causes disease in
horses but can also cause serious illness in poultry, people, and other animals such as deer and even
dogs. Animals sick from EEE are a sign that people should take steps to guard themselves against
mosquitoes by applying repellent, and wearing protective clothing.

MDARD is working with the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and Michigan State
Universitys Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health on an active surveillance program. If
horses are showing neurological symptoms, owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian, as there
is still funding available for EEE laboratory testing.

EEE is a dreadful illness, causing severe swelling of the brain in horses, stumbling, depression, and
sometimes blindness, said Dr. Averill, horse owners in southern Michigan counties in or near low lying
forest and wetland areas should be especially aware of the risk and take extra measures to protect their
animals. Vaccinating at any time against the virus is encouraged, even this late in the year.

Mosquito management is vital in the prevention of EEE and other vector-borne viruses that cause illness
in humans and in horses. Owners should eliminate standing water by properly discarding old tires, filling
ruts and pot holes, and removing water from tarps, pool covers, and other items where it may collect.

Changing water in bowls, buckets, troughs, bird baths, and wading pools at least once each week,
especially during the warmer weeks of late summer, are just a few simple steps to prevent mosquito-
borne illnesses.

Additional practices to reduce mosquito exposure include:

If you are able, keep pets indoors from dusk til dawn, when mosquitoes are out in full force.
Horses can also be stabled during times when mosquitoes are most active. Placing fans to blow in
stalls and on stabled horses will also help keep mosquitoes from landing and feeding.
Products are available to repel or kill fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies from dogs and cats,
repellent sprays are available for livestock, and a vaccine against EEE is available for horses.
Owners should consult a veterinarian on specific products and usage. For more information on the
Arbovirus Surveillance Program visit: www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

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