Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. | Photo: iStock

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) officials have confirmed four more horses in three counties with eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE).

Following the state’s index case in Dunn County on July 23, two additional horses in Dunn County, one in Pepin County, and one in Chippewa County were confirmed with EEE.

The second confirmed case, in Pepin County, involved an unvaccinated 11-year-old Belgian mare. She experienced onset of clinical signs, which included difficulty breathing, fever, muscle fasciculations (brief, spontaneous contractions), proprioceptive (perception of sensory stimuli) deficits in her limbs, and recumbency (inability to rise), on July 30 and was confirmed with EEE on Aug. 7. She was subsequently euthanized