Horse Disease: Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is virus that impacts equine (horses, donkeys and mules). This ALIRT was initially issued for Maricopa County in January 2022.

The vector is blood feeding insects such as mosquitoes and horse or deer flies,
using contaminated equipment during equine medical procedures, or from poor bio-security practices.

Signs can vary from horse to horse. Early signs include depression, low and/or high grade fever, red areas on the mucous membranes indicating small areas of hemorrhaging, animal goes off its feed and increasing muscle weakness. Progressive signs include adema, increased weakness and depression, and occasionally death.

Diagnosis must be done by veterinarian which will include lab tests for platelet counts, anemia, and the Coggins test. The test checks for antibody levels in the blood. A positive test indicates the animal has EIA.

Initial treatment: Immediately quarantine the horses and any other horses that may have been exposed. Increase all bio-security measures at the animals location. There is not a treatment or vaccine available. Contact veterinarian immediately for testing and supportive care.

Very poor. Once infected the horse will be a carrier for their lifetime, and can pass the disease onto other horses. Animals may be humanely euthanized. If not, they are required to remain in quarantine and cannot be moved from the premises without USDA APHIS approval.

Prevention is the primary mechanism in handling EIA. Immediately isolate a horse that is running a fever until the cause is identified. Apply insect repellent frequently, minimize standing water, practice fly control measures, keep the horses area free of trash or brush piles, and regularly muck out stalls and common areas. Practice good bio-security by using clean needles for vaccinations between each animal, disinfect all equipment for dental, lip tattoo, or surgical purposes. Avoid equine events that do not require a negative Coggins test to participate, and require a negative Coggins test for all incoming equines coming on your property.