AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Maine DACF) announced Friday that a horse in Somerset County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
This is the third domestic animal to test positive for EEE this year. The virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, according to a Friday release from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
"Unfortunately, we have confirmed a case of EEE in a horse here in Maine, the third animal this season," Dr. Stefanie Bolas, State Veterinarian, DACF, said in the release. "This confirmation serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinating horses against this deadly virus."
"While horses cannot transmit EEE to humans or other animals, the high mortality rate makes prevention critical. We urge horse owners to take immediate precautions, including ensuring that their horses are up to date on vaccines, using approved insect repellents, and minimizing exposure during peak mosquito activity hours, from dusk to dawn," Bolas added.
Officials said Maine is experiencing an "active mosquito-borne disease season."
Maine CDC report so far this year:
- EEE in two emus and one wild bird
- Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) in 4 mosquito pools (groups of up to 50 mosquitoes tested regularly as part of a routine surveillance)
- West Nile virus (WNV) in 15 wild birds
Maine DACF Director of Communications Jim Britt confirmed Friday in an email that the horse in Somerset County was humanely euthanized. He said the infected emus, which were in Penobscot County died from the infection.
However, zero human cases of EEE, WNV, or JCV have been contracted in Maine so far this year.
All three viruses can spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect humans and some animals. The virus cannot spread from human to human, or from horse to human. However, the release stated that rare cases (mostly flightless birds like emus and ostriches) may spread the virus to other animals and people.
While many infected people experience no symptoms, mosquito-borne illnesses can be serious and sometimes fatal. The Maine CDC said about one in three people who get EEE die and most who recover experience long-term physical or cognitive health effects.
"These positive cases of EEE and West Nile virus should prompt Maine people and visitors to take action to protect themselves whenever they go outside," Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va, stated. "The best way to keep yourself, your loved ones, and domestic animals safe from these serious viruses is to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible."
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Simple steps to protect yourself for EEE, JCV, and WNV:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants
- Use an EPA-approved repellent on skin and clothes, and reapply as indicated
- Take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Use screens on windows and doors
- Drain artificial sources of standing water around the home such as bird baths, pet water dishes, wheelbarrows, etc. (This is an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to lay eggs)
- Take steps to prevent mosquito bites when traveling
According to the Maine CDC, these illnesses typically start with flu-like symptoms in humans. Severe symptoms may include brain swelling (encephalitis) and spinal cord inflammation (meningitis).
Officials say if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, severe headaches, behavior changes, or serious drowsiness, to call a healthcare provider, especially if you have tested negative for COVID-19.
To protect your pets from mosquito-borne diseases, officials say to talk to your veterinarian. Horse owners can protect their horses with vaccines against EEE and WNV. Symptoms of mosquito-borne illness in horses include muscle tremors, incoordination, weakness, decreased awareness, and seizures. Call your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms in your horse, the release stated.
For more information:
Find mosquito surveillance reports at www.maine.gov/dhhs/vectorborne.
View answers to frequently asked questions at www.maine.gov/dhhs/mosquitofaq.
Learn about repellents at www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/bugs/mosquito.htm.