Mich. puppy 1st confirmed case of a dog contracting equine encephalitis

Authorities say they've confirmed that a puppy in southwestern Michigan contracted Eastern equine encephalitis, a potentially deadly viral disease.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan State University's Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health on Wednesday confirmed the case in an 8-week-old Van Buren County puppy.

Officials say it may be the first such case in a dog in Michigan.

Officials say the puppy was euthanized.

The disease is rare but can be deadly among humans.

It's spread by mosquitoes.

It typically affects people, horses and poultry, but also can occur in other mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Health officials say people should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and horses should be vaccinated.

For more information on diseases found in Michigan Click HERE.