Michigan Horses Test Positive for EEE and West Nile Virus

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed the first cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) in horses. The EEE case was detected in a 7-year-old Standardbred gelding from Mecosta County, while the WNV case occurred in a 4-month-old Belgian colt from Calhoun County. Both horses were unvaccinated against the diseases. Authorities remind people to take precautions against mosquito bites, as the mosquitoes that carry the viruses will remain active until there has been at least one hard freeze. Horses are particularly vulnerable to EEE, with a 90% fatality rate, and owners are advised to vaccinate their animals and eliminate standing water to prevent the occurrence of these diseases.