Earlier this week, officials at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) confirmed two horses in two separate counties with eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE).

On Aug. 9, an 8-year-old Percheron mare at a farm in Marquette County presented with neurologic signs that included ataxia (incoordination), down with difficulty rising, and head shaking. The mare was unvaccinated for EEE and was confirmed positive on Aug. 17.

On Aug. 12, a 3-year-old Pony of the Americas mare at a private facility in Calumet County experienced onset of neurologic signs, which included head pressing, inappetence and not drinking, non-responsiveness, and recumbency (down and unable to rise). Her vaccination status is unknown. She was confirmed positive Aug. 16 and euthanized.

These cases are the state’s third and fourth equines confirmed with EEE in 2021, and the first cases in their counties.

EEE 101

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.

Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases include:

• Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.
• Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).
• Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.
• Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Protect your horses: Veterinarians recommend commercially available licensed vaccines against EEE for all horses in the U.S. Horses should be vaccinated at least annually (recommendations vary in high-risk areas). It’s not too late this year to vaccinate your horses.
• Use approved insect repellents to protect horses.
• If possible, put horses in stables, stalls, or barns during the prime mosquito exposure hours of dusk and dawn.
• Eliminate standing water, drain water troughs, and empty buckets at least weekly.
• Stock water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (contact your local mosquito control for assistance), or use mosquito “dunks” (solid “donuts” of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which are nontoxic to horses) available at hardware stores.