Four cases of Equine Infectious Anemia have been confirmed in West Tennessee.
Four horses stabled at three locations in Henderson County recently tested positive for EIA. State officials are now testing additional horses that stabled with or live near the infected horses.
EIA is a viral disease most commonly transmitted by biting insects. At this time, there is no vaccine or treatment. Although an infected horse can run a low-grade fever or become lethargic, often there are no clinical signs. A horse remains infected throughout its lifetime and can pass the disease to other horses. Owners of EIA-positive horses have two options: lifetime quarantine of the animal or euthanasia.
A yearly Coggins test will screen for antibodies that are indicative of the presence of EIA. State law requires a negative Coggins test for any horse that is transported from its home farm to any event or other location.
The state veterinarian’s office says to ensure the safety of your horse, make sure its Coggins test is current and that your animal doesn’t have close contact with any horses that are not up-to-date.