Four cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) were recently confirmed in horses in two neighboring Michigan counties (three in Kent County in September, one in Montcalm County in October). The disease was also confirmed in seven free-ranging white-tailed deer in both counties.

All of the animals died as a result of the disease.

Eastern equine encephalitis is not as common in Michigan as it is in southern states, and when cases are found, it’s usually in late summer and early fall. Michigan State Veterinarian Steve Halstead, DVM, said this year’s weather might have been a contributing factor. “It was hot and we had heavy spring rains that left a lot of surface water,” Halstead said. “July and August were hot and humid, creating perfect incubator-like temperatures for the mosquitoes,” which spread the virus