Japanese Equine Encephalitis present in three horses in Genesee, Shiawasee counties
GENESEE COUNTY, MI — Public well being officers in Genesee and Shiawassee counties are urging residents to guard themselves and livestock from mosquito bites after three horse instances of Japanese Equine Encephalitis have been reported within the area.
The Genesee County Well being Division reported the instances — three of eight reported in Michigan this yr — in a information launch issued on Friday, Oct. 15.
Seven of the instances have concerned horses and one was reported in a deer.
No human instances have been recognized this yr, the county’s announcement says.
Kayleigh J. Blaney, Genesee County’s deputy well being officer, stated there doesn’t seem like a typical thread among the many native EEE instances, however she added hotter than typical fall climate is one attainable clarification for instances creating so late within the yr.
“We’ve had hotter temperatures up into October,” Blaney stated. “Till we’ve gotten that first good freeze,” mosquitos will proceed to be current
EEE is a mosquito-borne illness that’s sometimes seen from late summer time to early fall, based on the county. To guard horses and different home animals, together with canine, sheep, and goats, house owners ought to take steps together with the elimination of standing water on their property.
“Folks get rather less vigilant about mosquitos” as temperatures cool, Blaney stated.
The Michigan Division of Agriculture additionally issued an advisory final week, asking animal house owners within the state to stay conscious of the chance of EEE.
“When combatting EEE, the date on the calendar isn’t as necessary because the temperatures being skilled,” State Veterinarian Nora Wineland stated in a information launch. “Our present gentle temperatures imply horse house owners mustn’t ease up on taking precautions, together with vaccination. For the reason that mortality fee of EEE in horses will be as excessive as 90 %, it’s important for house owners to work with their veterinarian to make sure their animals are correctly vaccinated.”
Extra details about EEE from the state of Michigan will be discovered right here.
Learn extra on MLive:
First Michigan mosquito found with Japanese Equine Encephalitis in 2021
First 2021 Michigan case of Japanese Equine Encephalitis present in Livingston County horse
