The Texas Animal Health Commission has reported that a horse in Victoria County has tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The infected horse was euthanized, and the facility where it was housed has been placed under quarantine since June 17.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that uses data from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and share verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization supported by industry donations to provide accessible infectious disease information.
About EIA
Equine infectious anemia is a viral disease that targets horses’ immune systems. The virus spreads through the exchange of body fluids, often by blood-feeding insects like horseflies, or through blood-contaminated instruments. A Coggins test screens for EIA antibodies in a horse’s blood, required for interstate travel in most U.S. states.
Once infected, a horse carries EIA for life and can transmit the disease. Symptoms may include body condition loss, muscle weakness, poor stamina, fever, depression, and anemia. There is no vaccine or cure for EIA, and infected horses must be euthanized or quarantined away from other equids for life.