LANSING, Mich. — The number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in horse in 2020 is more than double the rate seen in 2019, according to state officials.
The rise in cases intensifies the need for horse owners to vaccinate their animals and Michigan residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
"When we see horse cases, that tells us that we have positive mosquitoes in the area," said Nora Wineland, the State Veterinarian, "and that means that any susceptible species should be on the lookout."
EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S. It can affect both animals and humans. In 2019, Michigan experienced one of the worst outbreaks of EEE ever documented in the state, with 10 human cases -- including 6 deaths -- and 50 cases in animals from 20 counties.
MDARD says the first case of EEE in 2019 was reported two weeks earlier than the first case of this year, however there were less cases reported. In 2019, at this point in the year, only 8 cases of EEE were confirmed. In 2020, officials have confirmed 18 cases.
Additionally, in 2019, the cases were found across only three counties: Barry, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph. This year, cases have been discovered in eight counties: Barry, Clare, Isabella, Kent, Mescota, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Oakland.
“We cannot state this strongly enough: horse owners and the general public need to take responsible, proactive steps to protect themselves and their animals from mosquito-borne diseases immediately,” Wineland said.
Wineland said 90 percent of horses will die if they get to the point they show signs of EEE.
“We don’t know if the dramatic increase in EEE equid cases is due to a lapse in vaccinations or a higher prevalence of EEE in Michigan’s mosquito population, but it doesn’t matter. If we ignore what’s happening, we run the risk of losing lives," Wineland continued.
Even though the state is experiencing some cooler temperatures, this should not cause horse owners or residents to ease up on the precautions that they are taking, MDARD explained.
The virus is typically seen in late summer to early fall each year in Michigan. Typically, mosquito-borne illnesses, including EEE, will continue to pose a risk to both animals and humans until about mid-October after there has been at least two hard frosts.
Mosquito-borne diseases can cause long-term health effects in people. Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches. Severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis and even death can occur.
To protect your horses and other domestic animals (such as dogs, sheep, and goats), measures could include the following:
- Talking to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE.
- Placing livestock in a barn under fans (as mosquitoes are not strong flyers) during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
- Using an insect repellent on an animal that is approved for the species.
- Eliminating standing water on the property—i.e., fill in puddles, repair eaves, and change the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.
- Contacting a veterinarian if an animal shows signs of the illness: fever and stumbling, which can progress to being down and struggling to stand.
To protect yourself and your family, here’s what you should do now:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved products, to exposed skin or clothing and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Wear 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 children’s pools, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
- Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
For more information about mosquito-borne diseases, visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.
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