MDARD: yearling was under-vaccinated for EEE
LANSING — A one-year old Quarter Horse colt from Clare County has been euthanized following the detection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) says.
Besides horses, EEE affects humans and other animals. It's a dangerous disease, "one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., with a 30% fatality rate among people who become ill," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive, according to an MDARD news release on Monday.
MDARD says the Clare County colt was Michigan's first case of EEE in a domestic animal for 2026. The department said the colt was "under-vaccinated," later clarifying to The Michigan Hoof Beat that the colt had received one vaccination as a weanling but did not receive a booster immunization. The department further reported the colt "was taken to a specialty hospital for care but was humanely euthanized."
Though this was Michigan's first animal case in 2026, MDARD previously reported earlier in August that a human in Roscommon County had a "locally acquired" case.
This is the season for it. If Michigan sees EEE cases in a given year, it's typically in the late summer or early fall months.
MDARD officials stressed the importance of preventing mosquito bites. As a zoonotic disease, EEE effects humans and animals but it is not spread amongst the various species via simple contact.
"Preventing mosquito bites is crucial to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in our animals and families," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM.
The state routinely issues the following guidelines regarding mosquito-borne illnesses:
- Talk to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE, WNV, and other mosquito-borne diseases.
- Eliminate standing water by filling in puddles, repairing eaves, and changing the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.
- Place livestock in a barn under fans and keep pets inside the home during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
- Use an insect repellant on animals that is approved for the species.
- Contact a veterinarian if an animal shows signs of illness.
- If a Michigan animal is suspected of having EEE or WNV, funding is available under an arbovirus grant to cover these testing costs. Please contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more details.
To protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused
