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**Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Situational Report**
October 2, 2024
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reminds animal owners of the significantly elevated risks of mosquito-borne illness and strongly advises that precautions be taken to mitigate that risk.
Current Situation
- Mosquito pools in Penobscot County have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE), and in Waldo County, they have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Maine has had mosquito-borne disease activity in 13 of 16 counties this season.
- The Maine Center for Disease Control (Maine CDC) and DACF have reported:
- EEE in eight horses, three wild birds, two emus, one llama, and one mosquito pool
- WNV in 33 wild birds, one alpaca, one mosquito pool, two people -- one locally acquired case and one travel-related case
- EEE and WNV (a co-infection) in one horse -- the first known case of this in Maine
- Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) in four mosquito pools
- All confirmed mosquito-borne illnesses will be listed on the regularly updated website Maine CDC's Arboviral Surveillance.
Horse owners are urged to vaccinate their animals against EEE and WNV and to take steps to reduce mosquito exposure, including:
- Removing or changing out standing water from areas where mosquitoes breed, such as water troughs and wheelbarrows
- Using insect repellent that is safe for animals
- Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times (dawn and dusk)
EEE, WNV, and Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect humans and some animals. The virus cannot spread from human to human or between horse and human. However, ratites (mostly flightless birds, including emus and ostriches) may spread the virus to other animals and people. Many infected people have no symptoms. However, mosquito-borne illnesses can be serious and sometimes fatal. About one in three people who show symptoms of EEE die, and most who recover have long-term physical or cognitive health effects.
**Animal Owner Awareness**
- EEE and WNV are viruses transmitted through an infected mosquito's bite.
- The viruses cannot be transmitted from horses to humans.
- Horses are most sensitive to mosquito-borne diseases and should be vaccinated for EEE and West Nile virus (WNV). Symptoms of these diseases in horses include fever, weakness, and lack of coordination. Talk to your veterinarian immediately if you notice these symptoms in your horse.
- The viruses can affect specialty livestock, such as llamas, alpacas, emus, ostriches, and other farm-raised birds, such as pheasants, quail, and ducks.
- Owners should contact their veterinarian to discuss available vaccines and take precautions to help reduce their and their animals' exposure to mosquitoes.
- Any suspicion or confirmation of reportable diseases should be reported promptly to the DACF Division of Animal Health.
The Maine CDC advises residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites, as EEE, WNV, and JCV all pose a risk to humans. There have been no reported human cases of co-infection in Maine.
For more information:
Media Contact: Jim Britt
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