Confirmed case of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in Maverick County, Texas

(PRESS RELEASE) Texas Animal Health Commission:  Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in one Maverick County Quarter Horse and one Bexar County Quarter Horse. The Bexar County horse has been euthanized and the premises will remain under quarantine until requirements for release have been met. The Maverick County horse is currently being maintained in a quarantine facility. TAHC staff is working closely with owners and veterinarians to monitor potentially exposed horses and implement biosecurity measures.

Additional Information on EIA:

Equine Infectious Anemia is an incurable, infectious disease caused by a virus that can affect horses, donkey, and other equine.  The virus destroys red blood cells and is spread through blood-to-blood contact, not through close proximity or casual contact.  The virus can be transmitted from an infected equine to a “clean” equine by biting flies, the use of unsterilized or contaminated medical instruments, or through a blood transfusion.  The disease does not affect humans.

Depending on the equine animal’s disease resistance, the virus’s ability to cause disease and stress factors, EIA can appear in one of three forms;

-Acute

In such that an equine may develop fever, go off feed or die suddenly.  Responses generally occur 7 to 30 days after initial exposure.  The animal may test negative for 16-42 days because its immune system has not yet produced detectable antibodies

–Chronic

Equine Test positive and may develop symptoms, such as weight loss, weakness, anemia and swelling of lower legs, chest and abdomen.

-Inapparent

No outward symptoms but test positive for disease. These animals pose the greatest danger of spreading EIA because they show no outward signs of disease creating a risk for unsuspecting equine owners.

TEXAS LAW

Texas law requires that ALL equine animals, 8 months of age or older have a negative EIA test within the previous 12 months before undergoing any change-of-ownership.  Failure to comply is a Class “C” misdemeanor.

Source:  Texas Animal Health Commission, Equine Infectious Anemia Information Sheet, dated February 2013.

For additional information on Equine Infectious Disease please visit http://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/equine/#eia  or your local veterinarian.