Aerial spraying being conducted in 14 counties to combat mosquito-borne disease.      

Message from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis cases continue increasing in Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. – Due to the large geographic distribution and number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in humans and animals, coupled with warm weather projections, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and 12 local health departments have decided to conduct aerial spraying in high risk areas to combat further spread of the deadly disease EEE.

Spraying is scheduled take place starting Sunday, Sept. 29 starting at 8 p.m. However, the ability to spray is weather dependent and the schedule may change. You can view the aerial treatment zones and FAQ here.

Spraying will occur in the following 14 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. Visit Michigan.gov/EEE for more detailed information.

Read the Full Press Release Here

EEE and Aerial Spraying Frequently Asked Questions

EEE Activity in Michigan for 2019 – Confirmed Cases: MDARD Confirms 17 Cases of EEE

MDARD has confirmed a 17th case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a Michigan animal from Livingston County. The animal, an unvaccinated three-year-old Paint gelding, had a sudden onset of neurologic signs on September 23, 2019. The horse was euthanized on September 23, 2019.

This case bring the total number of EEE cases for 2019 to 17, 15 equine and 2 canines, from the following counties: Barry (2), Calhoun (2 canine cases), Jackson (1), Kalamazoo (5), Lapeer (1), Livingston (1), Montcalm (1), Newaygo (1), and St Joseph (3). This is the first case of EEE identified in Livingston County this year.

EEE is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Horses are very susceptible to EEE; cases in dogs are extremely rare. There is a vaccine for horses, and owners should work with their veterinarian. Horses and other animals can be protected by applying mosquito repellent approved for that type of animal and bringing animals indoors from early evening until after sunrise when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

For more information on the reported equine cases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For more information on EEE in Michigan including the most recent weekly summary, please see michigan.gov/eee. The most recent Arbovirus Activity Weekly Summary (September 26, 2019) reports 27 animal EEE cases; these numbers include wildlife.

By now you know that the Michigan Animal Health Foundation has a Companion Animal Fund that subsidizes non-elective treatment to a select group of pet owners who have inadequate finances for necessary treatments. MVMA member hospitals are eligible to receive up to $500 per client and a total of up to $500 per clinic annually.

Companion Animal Fund Month, held in October, is the foundation’s biggest fundraising event. Throughout the month-long campaign, we are asking veterinary clinics across Michigan to collect money and hold special events and fundraisers in honor of people, pets and the Companion Animal Fund.

To help veterinary clinics make the most of their campaigns, we would like to send you a free fundraising kit to help encourage donations. The kits will include posters, brochures, instructions and ideas, and post-it paw prints on which you can write donor names to post on a wall.

Companion Animal Fund Month is a time for you to get involved in raising money to help clients and their animals. It’s an easy and fun experience for your whole team! It can be as simple as offering an opportunity for clients to donate or as involved as hosting your own charity event like a dog walk, open house, BBQ, family event, etc.

The three clinics raising the most funds during the month of October will each receive four free tickets to the Michigan Animal Health Foundation (MAHF) Benefit on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, before the Michigan Veterinary Conference (a $200+ value).

If you’d like to receive a kit, please reply to this email with your name, practice name, mailing address, phone and email address. Kits will be sent out the week of September 16.

For more information on the Michigan Animal Health Foundation, go to MichAnimalHealthFoundation.org.