Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) officials have confirmed five horses in four counties with Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE). The affected counties are Clare in Central Michigan and the adjoining counties of Kent, Montcalm, and Newaygo in the state’s East Central region. All five horses are deceased.

In Clare County, a 12-year-old unvaccinated Quarter Horse mare began experiencing clinical signs of fever, stumbling, and recumbency (down and unable to rise) on Aug. 18. She was confirmed positive on Aug. 28.

The two Montcalm County horses, both of which were unvaccinated, included a 5-year-old Percheron gelding and a 20-year-old Belgian/Percheron-cross gelding. The 5-year-old began showing clinical signs, which included fever, ataxia (loss of control of bodily movements), circling, head tilt, lack of appetite, and leaning to the right, on July 31. The 20-year-old showed clinical signs of ataxia, circling, stumbling, and recumbency on Aug. 21. Both horses were confirmed positive for EEE on Aug. 28.

The horse from Kent County, a 24-year-old Belgian mare, began showing clinical signs on Aug. 7. She was confirmed on Aug. 28 and euthanized