1 Case of Equine Infectious Anemia, 2 Cases of Equine Piroplasmosis Confirmed in Polk County

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 30, 2021) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship State Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand confirmed one horse in Polk County, Iowa, tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The case was discovered through routine testing. Two cases of Equine Piroplasmosis were also confirmed in the same boarding facility.

The owners of all the horses in the boarding facility have been notified of the potential exposures. All the horses have been tested and will be 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.

Equine Piroplasmosis is a tick-borne protozoal infection that affects horses, mules, donkeys and zebras. The disease can also be transmitted by contaminated needles and syringes or blood transfusions. Piroplasmosis may be difficult to diagnose because it causes variable and nonspecific clinical signs. The symptoms may include acute fever, inappetence and malaise, anemia and jaundice, sudden death, chronic weight loss and low exercise tolerance.

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