Two horses in Texas were recently euthanized after testing positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA), with one case in Harris County and another in Milam County. The Texas Animal Health Commission is collaborating with owners and local veterinarians to monitor potentially exposed horses and enforce biosecurity measures.
EDCC Health Watch, a program by Equine Network, uses data from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and distribute verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization funded by industry donations to provide accessible infectious disease information.
About EIA
Equine infectious anemia is a viral disease that weakens horses’ immune systems. The virus spreads through the exchange of body fluids and can be transmitted by blood-feeding insects like horseflies. It can also be spread through contaminated instruments or needles.
A Coggins test screens for antibodies indicating the presence of the EIA virus in a horse’s blood. Most U.S. states mandate a negative Coggins test for horses traveling across state lines.
Once infected with EIA, a horse carries the virus for life and can spread the disease. Symptoms may include body condition loss, muscle weakness, poor stamina, fever, depression, and anemia.
EIA currently has no vaccine or cure. Infected horses either die, get euthanized, or must be isolated at least 200 yards away from other horses for life.