On September 15, 2016, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was notified that a four month old, Standardbred filly in Clare County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The filly had developed a sudden fever, was staggering and eventually unable to rise. The filly was not vaccinated against EEE and did die.

Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis 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. The disease is not spread by horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact. In horses, EEE can cause severe swelling of the brain, stumbling, depression and sometimes blindness. There is an effective vaccine for horses, and horse owners should work with their veterinarian to determine if their horse needs to be vaccinated.

Mosquito management is vital in the prevention of mosquito-borne illnesses that cause illness in both humans and in horses. People should take steps to guard themselves and their animals against mosquitoes by eliminating standing water and bringing horses and pets indoors from early evening until after sunrise when mosquitoes are out in full force.

For more information visit www.michigan.gov/equinediseases.