The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed another case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a six-year-old Quarter Horse gelding from Leelanau County. The horse developed a sudden onset of neurologic disease on October 1, 2019, including depression, ataxia, and an inability to stand. The horse was euthanized on October 2, 2019. The horse was not currently vaccinated against EEE.

In reviewing Department records dating back as far as 1942, this appears to be the first recorded equine case of EEE from Leelanau County.

This bring the total number of EEE cases in Michigan for 2019 to 33, 29 equine, two canine, one sheep and one goat, from the following 14 counties: Allegan (1 equine), Barry (2 equine), Calhoun (1 equine and 2 canine), Cass (2 equine), Jackson (4 equine), Kalamazoo (6 equine and 1 goat), Kent (1 equine), Lapeer (1 equine), Leelanau (1 equine), Livingston (1 equine), Montcalm (1 equine), Newaygo (1 equine), St Joseph (6 equine and 1 sheep), and Tuscola (1 equine).

For more information on reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee. The most recent Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (November 6, 2019) reports 47 animal EEE cases in 17 counties; these numbers include wildlife.

For additional information on EEE, including information for Michigan Veterinarians, please see the related update, Increased Risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis for Michigan horses in 2019.

This summer has proven to be an active one for Eastern Equine Encephalitis infections in both animals and humans. Read more about how the disease is transmitted, how people can protect themselves and animals, and more in a Vetschool Tails blog post.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed another case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a three-year-old Gypsy Vanner gelding from Kalamazoo County. The horse developed a sudden onset of illness on October 11, 2019 including the inability to get up, acting sleepy, and rapid side-to-side eye movements. The horse was euthanized on October 11, 2019. The horse was currently vaccinated against the disease and was last vaccinated this past spring by a veterinarian.

This bring the total number of EEE cases to date to 32, including 28 equine, two canine, one sheep and one goat, from the following 13 counties: Allegan (1 equine), Barry (2 equine), Calhoun (1 equine and 2 canine), Cass (2 equine), Jackson (4 equine), Kalamazoo (6 equine and 1 goat), Kent (1 equine), Lapeer (1 equine), Livingston (1 equine), Montcalm (1 equine), Newaygo (1 equine), St Joseph (6 equine and 1 sheep), and Tuscola (1 equine).

For more information on reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee. The most recent Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (October 21, 2019) reports 46 animal EEE cases in 17 counties; these numbers include wildlife.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed five new cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Michigan animals: a sheep and two horses from St. Joseph County, a horse from Allegan County, and a goat from Kalamazoo County. EEE in livestock is extremely rare; these are the first goat and sheep EEE cases confirmed in Michigan for 2019.

There have been 31 laboratory-confirmed cases of EEE in Michigan animals: 27 equine, two canine, one sheep, and one goat from the following counties: Allegan (1 equine), Barry (2 equine), Calhoun (1 equine and 2 canine), Cass (2 equine), Jackson (4 equine), Kalamazoo (5 equine and 1 goat), Kent (1 equine), Lapeer (1 equine), Livingston (1 equine), Montcalm (1 equine), Newaygo (1 equine), St. Joseph (6 equine and 1 sheep), and Tuscola (1 equine).

For more information on reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee. The most recent Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (October 14, 2019) reports 40 animal EEE cases; these numbers include wildlife.

On October 8, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed five additional cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Michigan equine. The latest cases occurred in Kent County (1), Jackson County (3), and Tuscola County (1). As of October 8th, there have been 26 laboratory-confirmed cases of EEE in Michigan animals, 24 equine and two canine, from the following counties: Barry (2), Calhoun (1 equine and 2 canine), Cass (2), Jackson (4), Kalamazoo (5), Kent (1), Lapeer (1), Livingston (1), Montcalm (1), Newaygo (1), St Joseph (4), and Tuscola (1).

For more information on reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee. The most recent Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (October 8, 2019) reports 39 animal EEE cases; these numbers include wildlife.

Another case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse has been confirmed in St. Joseph County, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced. The latest horse diagnosed with EEE first presented with symptoms on Sept. 23.

As of Oct. 4, EEE has been confirmed in nine people in Michigan, with four fatalities. Cases are in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. In addition, cases have occurred in 34 animals (domestic animals and wildlife) from 15 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. The mosquitos that spread EEE are still active and were caught in traps set Oct. 1 in southwest Michigan.

For more information on the reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee.

On September 30, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed three new cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses, one case from Calhoun County and two cases from Cass County. This brings the total number of cases of EEE in Michigan for 2019 to 20, 18 equine and two canine, from the following counties: Barry (2), Calhoun (1 equine, plus 2 canine), Cass (2), Jackson (1), Kalamazoo (5), Lapeer (1), Livingston (1), Montcalm (1), Newaygo (1), and St Joseph (3).

For more information on the reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee. The most recent Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (September 30, 2019) reports 33 animal EEE cases; these numbers include wildlife.

On September 27, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed a 17th case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a Michigan animal from Livingston County. The animal, an unvaccinated three-year-old Paint gelding, had a sudden onset of neurologic signs on September 23, 2019. The horse was euthanized on September 23, 2019.

This case bring the total number of EEE cases for 2019 to 17, 15 equine and 2 canines, from the following counties: Barry (2), Calhoun (2 canine cases), Jackson (1), Kalamazoo (5), Lapeer (1), Livingston (1), Montcalm (1), Newaygo (1), and St Joseph (3). This is the first case of EEE identified in Livingston County this year.

Horses are very susceptible to EEE; cases in dogs are extremely rare. There is a vaccine for horses, and owners should work with their veterinarian. Horses and other animals can be protected by applying mosquito repellent approved for that type of animal and bringing animals indoors from early evening until after sunrise when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

For more information on the reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee. The most recent Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (September 26, 2019) reports 27 animal EEE cases; these numbers include wildlife.

As of September 26, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed 16 cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) for 2019. There have been 14 equine and two canine cases from the following counties: Barry (2), Calhoun (2 canine cases), Jackson (1), Kalamazoo (5), Lapeer (1), Montcalm (1), Newaygo (1), and St Joseph (3).

EEE is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Horses are very susceptible to EEE; cases in dogs are extremely rare. There is a vaccine for horses, and owners should work with their veterinarian. Horses and other animals can be protected by applying mosquito repellent approved for that type of animal and bringing animals indoors from early evening until after sunrise when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

For more information on the reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee. The most recent Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (September 26, 2019) reports 27 animal EEE cases; these numbers include wildlife.

On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed five additional cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Michigan animals. This brings the total number of EEE cases for 2019 to 15, 14 equine and one canine, from the following counties: Barry (2), Calhoun (1 canine case), Jackson (1), Kalamazoo (5), Lapeer (1), Montcalm (1), Newaygo (1), and St Joseph (3). For more information on the reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an updated Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (September 23, 2019). These numbers (23 animals) include wildlife.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 20, 2019

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories has confirmed Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in an adult resident of Calhoun County. Eight cases of EEE have now been confirmed in residents of Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties, including three deaths.

“The increasing geographic spread and increasing number of EEE cases in humans and animals indicate that the risk for EEE is ongoing,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We continue to urge Michiganders to protect themselves against mosquito bites until the first hard frost.”

Additionally, testing at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has recently identified EEE in one animal each in Calhoun, Jackson and Montcalm counties. As of Sept. 20, EEE has been confirmed in 21 animals from 11 counties: Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lapeer, Montcalm, St. Joseph, and Van Buren. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people. Additional animal cases are under investigation.

For more information, see the full release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

On Thursday, September 19, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed a tenth case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a three-year-old miniature donkey gelding from Kalamazoo County. On September 1, 2019, the donkey was noted to be down and have a lack of awareness of its surroundings. The donkey was euthanized on September 1, 2019.

To date, there have been ten confirmed cases of EEE in Michigan equine for 2019 from the following counties: Barry (2), Kalamazoo (4), Lapeer (1), and St Joseph (3). For more information, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

On Wednesday, September 11, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed a ninth case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in an unvaccinated 10-year-old Haflinger mare from Lapeer County. The mare became ill on the evening of August 30, when she was noted to be staying away from the herd. She progressed to being weak in the hindlimbs, ataxic, leaning to the right, and keeping her head down. She became blind and eventually was unable to get up. She was euthanized on September 1, 2019.

To date, there have been nine confirmed cases of EEE in Michigan horses for 2019 from the following counties: Barry (2), Kalamazoo (3), Lapeer (1), and St Joseph (3). For more information, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

On Friday, September 6, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed an eighth case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The case was in an unvaccinated 13-year-old Belgian mare from St. Joseph County. The mare developed signs of illness on August 27, which included lethargy, anorexia, fever, and was unable to get up. The mare was euthanized on August 28, 2019.

There have been eight cases of EEE in Michigan horses in 2019 from the following counties: Barry (2), Kalamazoo (3), and St Joseph (3). For more information, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

On Thursday, August 29, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed a seventh case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a Michigan horse for 2019. The seventh case was an unvaccinated 15-year-old Quarter Horse mare from Kalamazoo County. On August 18, the mare developed a fever and neurologic signs, including pressing her head against objects. The mare was euthanized on August 19, 2019.

There have been seven confirmed cases of EEE in Michigan horses in 2019 from the following counties: Barry (2), Kalamazoo (3), and St Joseph (2). For more information, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

On Tuesday, August 27, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed a sixth case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a Michigan horse for 2019. The sixth case was an unvaccinated 10-12 year-old Quarter Horse/Arabian mare from Barry County. The mare became ill on August 13, 2019 with fever, incoordination, and tremors and was also observed pressing her head against objects. The mare died on August 14, 2019 from her disease.

Please see the Equine Disease Communication Center for the latest case information.

On Friday, August 23, 2019, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed three new cases of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) in Michigan horses.

• The first case was in an unvaccinated five-year-old Quarter Horse mare from Kalamazoo County. The mare developed signs of illness on August 11, 2019, including seizures and being unable to rise. The mare was euthanized on August 11, 2019.
• The second case was in an unvaccinated three-year-old Standardbred colt from St. Joseph County. The colt developed signs of illness on August 10, 2019, including ataxia and circling. The colt was euthanized on August 11, 2019.
• The third case was in an unvaccinated one-year-old Arabian filly from Barry County. The filly developed a sudden onset of illness on August 13, 2019, including fever and behavioral changes. The filly was euthanized on August 14, 2019.

This brings the total number of 2019 EEE cases in horses in Michigan to five. These cases were reported to the Equine Disease Communication Center.

On Monday August 12, 2019 the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed a second case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in an unvaccinated 19-year-old Standardbred mare from St. Joseph County. The mare became ill on August 4 with a high-grade fever and was unable to rise; the horse was euthanized on August 5. The case was reported to the Equine Disease Communication Center.

On Friday, August 16, 2019 the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a related release: Michigan residents reminded to protect against mosquito bites. Please see the MDHHS release for tips to protect humans and horses from mosquito bites and for updates on EEE and West Nile virus activity in Michigan for 2019.

On Monday, August 5, 2019 the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed the first reported case of EEE in Michigan for 2019 which has been reported to the Equine Disease Communication Center:

An unvaccinated yearling Paint gelding from Kalamazoo County has been confirmed to have Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The yearling developed clinical signs of EEE on July 22, including a fever and being recumbent with an inability to rise. The yearling was humanely euthanized.