BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Binder Park Zoo has announced a gray wolf pup there died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
The zoo, located in Battle Creek, says tests are also pending on a second gray wolf pup that died the day before.
The wolf pup died in early September and is being named as the first confirmed case of EEE in Calhoun County.
“Although EEE infection in canines is very, very rare, there have been a few cases previously reported in domestic dog puppies. All species considered highly susceptible to EEE infection at the zoo, including domestic and non-domestic equine species and ostriches, are vaccinated on a yearly basis.” stated Dr. Kim Thompson, staff veterinarian at Binder Park Zoo
There is one more wolf pup from the litter that survived and appears to be okay. The zoo is monitoring the pup and both parents, who seem to be healthy.
“Zoos have a wide range of species and can be important indicators for detecting diseases in an area. All animals at Binder Park Zoo that die have a complete necropsy and any additional disease testing performed by a veterinarian to determine the cause of death. As such, it’s not uncommon for a zoo veterinarian to detect a new disease in an area. In fact, a zoo veterinarian was the first to detect West Nile Virus after it entered the United States many years ago.” according to Dr. Thompson.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is transmitted through certain types of mosquitoes in Michigan.
EEE is said to be a serious disease, even deadly, for humans and equines, according to the release from the zoo.
They say that high risk areas are those with the following:
areas with standing water
swamps and bogs
And the best way to combat EEE is to wear insect repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
The zoo is responding to these deaths with "bug spray stations" throughout the park, and they are working with local agencies and will be evaluating the zoo and identifying potential areas for treatment of adult mosquitoes.
According to the website www.michigan.gov, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) has infected seven Michigan residents with three fatalities. EEE has also infected animals including nine horses, five deer and one donkey so far this year.
Fox 47 reached out to the Potter Park Zoo director of health to ask how they plan to keep their animals safe from the disease.
He says it's a very rare disease and usually only affects horses and zebras.
"We vaccinate annually, the vaccine offers some degree of protection," Ronan Eustace, Potter Park director of health.
"Things we could do if we needed too would be predominantly mosquito control."
"Shifting how the animals are housed, like we might restrict access during the times of the day when the mosquitoes are more prevalent," added Eustace.
Fox 47 also reached out to Michigan State University College of Medicine and professor Steve Bolin also said that this disease is very rare.
Bolin says ways you can keep you and your pet safe is by using bug spray being careful when you take your pet out early in the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
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