EEE, West Nile Virus detected in emus, horses in multiple Maine counties

AUGUSTA, Maine (WGME) – Officials say confirmed cases of several mosquito-borne illnesses have been detected in emu flocks and horses in multiple Maine counties.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Division of Animal Health and the Maine CDC say they have confirmed cases Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in several emu flocks and multiple horses across Piscataquis, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo counties in the past few weeks. A West Nile Virus (WNV) case has been identified in a horse from York County.

Routine and enhanced mosquito surveillance has also pinpointed EEE in Kennebec and Penobscot counties, according to officials.

Ratites, including emus and ostriches, and game birds like pheasants, are particularly susceptible to mosquito-borne diseases, according to officials. Equines and camelids are not exempt from this risk.

Officials say they are strongly urging all owners of sensitive species to take immediate precautions, which include environmental modifications to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, vaccination of equines, booster vaccinations for horses if more than six months have passed since the last immunization, and consideration of off-label vaccination for camelids and susceptible bird species.

This is the first year that the Maine CDC has reported EEE, West Nile Virus, and Jamestown Canyon Virus in mosquito pools in Maine in a single season.

The Maine CDC has not reported any human cases for any of these viruses in the state so far this year.

Although a frost capable of killing mosquitoes may occur in many areas of Maine, the current risk persists in multiple state regions.

With ongoing reports of suspected cases over several weeks, officials say precautions must be taken to safeguard humans and at-risk animals:

• Vaccinating horses against EEE and WNV and booster vaccination of equines if more than 6 months has elapsed since vaccination. A vaccine is not available for JCV. Discuss off-label vaccination with a veterinarian for camelids and susceptible bird species.

• People should wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors where mosquitoes are active.

• Use an EPA-approved repellent on skin and clothes.

• Take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

• Use screens on windows and doors.

Many people infected with a mosquito-borne disease have no symptoms. Others experience fever and flu-like illnesses.

Severe symptoms can occur, including encephalitis, meningitis, and death.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call a health care provider.