HORSES

Horses, and pigs, and goats, oh my!

Archaeologists have found the first direct evidence for horseback riding in 5,000 year old skeletons in central Europe.

A horse believed to be lost for nearly a decade has been reunited with his owner after running with a group of wild mustangs for eight years in Utah. Yes, it’s a Disney move in the making.

There is debate Wednesday about a proposed gun range in Washtenaw County all because of what’s across the street. It is all centered in Northfield Township, north of Ann Arbor.

Have you been to the Northville Downs? Share your memories with us!

Officials have confirmed the discovery of the first mosquitoes carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Michigan this year.

Aerial treatment to prevent the spread of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been completed with approximately 462,000 acres treated, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Thursday. The treatment, which started on Sept. 16, was completed Wednesday, according to MDHHS. “Aerial treatment was important to protect the health and safety of Michiganders,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. A Montcalm County resident is suspected of having EEE following preliminary testing. Individuals younger than 15 and over 50 are at a high risk on contracting the virus, MDHHS said in a press release.

Cases of the rare mosquito-borne virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis, known as EEE, are popping up in Michigan and other U.S. states.What is Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)? EEE virus (EEEV) is one of a group of mosquito-transmitted viruses that can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). EEE cases occur primarily from late spring through early fall, but in subtropical endemic areas (e.g., the Gulf States), rare cases can occur in winter. According to Vector Disease Control International, eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a zoonotic alphavirus and arbovirus, and was first recognized in horses in 1831 in Massachusetts. Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is maintained in a cycle between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and avian hosts in freshwater hardwood swamps.

DETROIT – The Oakland County Health Division and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are reminding residents to take precautions from mosquito bites as cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been confirmed in two horses in Holly and Ortonville. MDHHS also recommends out of an abundance of caution that officials consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. Read more: Michigan health department encourages officials to reschedule outdoor activities as EEE cases increase“These animal cases show that EEE is present in Oakland County,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “Residents in all of our communities need to take simple steps to reduce the risk of serious disease from mosquito bites such as limiting exposure at outdoor activities and wearing mosquito repellent.”Follow these prevention tips:Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. The public is urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost of the year.

This years National Toy Hall of Fame finalists have been announced and the group ranges from simple toys to the highly innovative. According to the Strong National Museum of Play," the 12 finalists are:Sidewalk chalkBaby NancyBingoBreyer HorsesJengaLite-BriteMasters of the UniverseMy Little PonyRiskSorry! Fans of these toys can vote on their favorite starting Sept. 10 through Sept. 16. The three top toy fan votes will join the top three submissions by members of the national selection advisory committee. The final 2020 inductees will be announced on Nov. 5.

LANSING, Mich. – Officials have confirmed the second case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) for 2020 in a 12-year-old horse from Montcalm County. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) State Veterinarian, Dr. Nora Wineland, confirmed the case. EEE is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes to both animals and people. Humans can also be infected, and symptoms in humans include sudden onset of fever, chills, and body and joint aches. EEE can develop into severe enephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures, and paralysis.

WEST BRANCH, Mich. Several horses displaced by the pandemic and flooding across parts of central Michigan have found a new home at a rescue farm. WATCH: Aerial footage of Midland flood devastation on May 21Since then, D&R Acres Hobby and Rescue Farm has received several equines. The 20 acre farm and 13,000-square-foot barn and riding facility is now home to 38 horses, donkeys, mules, ponies and miniature horses. Were kind of the retirement home for horses, said Dolores 'Doris' Harris, chief financial officer and founder of D&R Acres, of West Branch. Although many animals stay at D&R Acres for the rest of their days, the farm does adopt out equines once the animal adjusts to the situation.

DETROIT – There will be no horsin’ around after dark, especially in West Bloomfield. Police in West Bloomfield found a horse just standing in the middle of Middlebelt Road near Maple Road early Wednesday morning. Officers took the horse down the old town road, back to its pasture. Nothing to see here. When reached for comment, the horse said it wasn’t trying to “stirrup any trouble.” Sure, horse.