Four Quarter Horses at a training facility in Weld County, Colorado, have been diagnosed with equine infectious anemia (EIA). One horse tested positive on Jan. 16 and unfortunately had to be euthanized due to a lung abscess. The other three horses tested positive on Jan. 29 and are currently under quarantine.
These horses were tested because they had been in contact with positive cases in Adams County. In addition to the four infected horses, eighteen more horses have been exposed and are being closely monitored.
EDCC Health Watch is a program by Equine Network that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to provide accurate equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization funded by industry donations to offer accessible infectious disease information.
Understanding EIA
Equine infectious anemia is a viral disease that weakens horses’ immune systems. The virus spreads through the exchange of bodily fluids, often carried by blood-feeding insects like horseflies. It can also be transmitted through contaminated needles or instruments.
A Coggins test checks for EIA antibodies in a horse’s blood. Most states in the U.S. require horses to have a negative Coggins test before traveling across state lines.
Once a horse is infected with EIA, it remains a carrier for life, potentially spreading the disease. Symptoms may include weight loss, weakness, fatigue, fever, depression, and anemia.
- Progressive body condition loss;
- Muscle weakness;
- Poor stamina;
- Fever;
- Depression; and
- Anemia.
There is no vaccine or cure for EIA. Infected horses either pass away, are euthanized, or must be isolated under strict quarantine conditions for the rest of their lives, at least 200 yards away from other horses.