For More Information
Michigan Emerging Disease Issues: information on mosquito-borne diseases in Michigan and the Michigan Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Disease Mapper
Michigan Weekly Arbovirus Summary: detailed information about current human and animal cases of arboviruses in Michigan counties; year-end summary is provided at the end of the season
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: provides national data and information on diseases spread by mosquitoes
Equine Disease Communication Center: information about these and other infectious diseases in horses, including clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention as well as real-time disease alerts
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance—they can transmit serious and sometimes fatal diseases to humans and animals. At the MSU VDL, we test for these diseases to help veterinarians and public health officials identify and track cases.
In Michigan, two mosquito-borne viruses are of greatest concern:
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West Nile virus (WNV): Found throughout the U.S., affecting both humans and animals
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Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE): Primarily seen in the Eastern U.S., often fatal when cases occur in horses and people
When submitting equine samples, please:
- Use our equine submittal form
- Include vaccination status
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Check our test catalog for sample type, collection protocol, shipping requirements, and other details
Free Testing for EEE and WNV in Michigan Animals
To help protect both animal and public health, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has continued funding for 2025 to fully cover the costs of testing suspect animals for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV). The funding is open to any animal in Michigan provided:
- The animal for testing resides in Michigan.
- The animal is (or was recently) showing signs of neurological disease or suddenly died.
- The testing is pre-approved by MDARD.
- The samples are submitted to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL).
To take advantage of this funding opportunity:
- Complete a Reportable Animal Disease Form and make a request for this testing in the “Additional Information” field on the form. Submit the completed form to MDARD at mireportableanimal@michigan.gov. If any complications or questions arise during this process, please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 during regular business hours. Typically, requests are reviewed and responded to within one business day.
- If approved, MDARD will email you the required laboratory submittal form(s) to complete.
- Submit the completed form(s) and sample(s) to MSU VDL. Further directions for sending the sample can be found on the submittal forms.
- Once the testing is completed, MDARD will send notification of the results, including a copy of the laboratory results.
As a reminder, when submitting samples, it is crucial to collect a thorough vaccine history on the animal. If possible, please try to determine when the animal was last vaccinated against EEE and WNV. In addition, it is helpful to know if the animal completed an initial vaccine series and who last vaccinated the animal (e.g., owner, veterinarian).