3 Cases of Equine Infectious Anemia Confirmed in Polk Co.

DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 26, 2020) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship State Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand confirmed three horses in Iowa tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The positive cases were recently discovered in a boarding facility in Polk Co., through routine Coggins testing.

The owners of all the horses in the boarding facility have been notified of the potential exposures. All the horses will be tested and quarantined for at least 60 days after the last potential exposure.

Equine Infectious Anemia is a viral disease that can infect all members of the Equidae family, including horses and ponies. The virus can be transmitted by biting insects, shared needles, blood transfusions and some bodily fluids. Many horses have mild or inapparent signs and routine testing is the best way to detect the presence of EIA. No vaccines or treatments are available.

Following biosecurity best practices, including using new, sterile needles and syringes for all injections, is the best way to protect horses from EIA and other diseases. Biosecurity tips are available at iowaagriculture.gov/biosecurity.

Resources

Sharing needles can spread EIA fact sheet (English)

Sharing needles can spread EIA fact sheet (Spanish)

Equine Infectious Anemia fact sheet (The Center for Food Security & Public Health)

What is Equine Infectious Anemia? (USDA APHIS)