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Wisconsin’s first 2020 case of Eastern equine encephalitis confirmed

Wisconsin agriculture officials say the state’s first case of Eastern equine encephalitis was confirmed in Dunn County.  The Department of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection says the ten-year-old mare was not vaccinated and had to be euthanized because of rapidly progressing neurologic symptoms.

Dr. Julie McGwin is the state’s equine program manager.  She says it is always heartbreaking seeing equines succumb to these diseases knowing that the suffering may have been prevented by vaccination and says it’s important that horse owners contact their veterinarians to discuss effective vaccination protocols.

McGwin says mosquitoes carry both the equine encephalitis and West Nile viruses from infected birds, and the only route of transmission is from a mosquito bite.