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NEWS RELEASE
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For more information:
(785) 564-6706
AgMedia@ks.gov
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On August 10, 2017, the Kansas Animal Health Commissioner was notified that a horse near Garden City tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) after a routine Coggins test.
This initiated follow-up testing of all horses on the index premises, which resulted in the discovery of five additional EIA-positive horses, and one horse tested positive for Equine Piroplasmosis (EP). All positive horses have been humanely euthanized.
As of September 5th, further trace outs have resulted in more EIA-positive and EP-positive horses, for a total of nine horses positive for EIA and two positive for EP.
Counties involved:
- Finney County: 8 horses (7 EIA and 1 EP )
- Kearny County: 2 horses (both EIA )
- Haskell County: 1 horse (EP )
All confirmed EIA-positive and EP-positive horses had recently been on the index premises, which was an unsanctioned, informal horse racing facility in Finney County.
All horses within a half-mile surveillance zone surrounding the index positive premises were tested. No additional positives were detected in that zone.
State, federal and accredited veterinarians performed contact surveillance testing.
There are 33 exposed horses on five different premises where positive horses were found, all of which are under official quarantine pending retest in 60 days.
Horses are confirmed positive by the National Veterinary Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.
More than 1,000 horses were tested for EIA in Kansas through surveillance and routine testing in August 2017.
Kansas has had nine positive horses in the past ten years; three in 2007, two in 2008 and four in 2016.
EIA is an incurable, infectious disease caused by a virus that can affect horses, donkeys, asses and other equine species. This virus destroys red blood cells and is spread through blood-to-blood contact, not through close proximity or casual contact. Clinical signs of EIA include fever, anemia and edema; however, affected horses may not show symptoms. All infected horses, including those which are asymptomatic, are carriers of the disease.
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. This disease does not affect humans. KDA has identified a prescribed surveillance area within one-half mile of the affected premises, and is working with local officials and horse owners to identify any other horses that may have been within that surveillance area in order to test those animals.
The surveillance area is identified based on risk associated with the potential transfer of the disease. EIA is mechanically transmitted via the mouth parts of biting flies, and research has shown that the EIA virus survives for a limited time on the mouth parts of the fly vectors, so the area of possible exposure is limited to a relatively small radius around the affected premises. Symptomatic horses, those showing clinical signs, are more likely to transmit the disease compared to those that have an in apparent infection. It is estimated after visiting an asymptomatic carrier, only one out of every 6 million flies is likely to become a vector.
There are typically a small number of cases of EIA in the United States every year, although the disease is common in other parts of the world. EIA is controlled in the U.S. by regular testing before traveling across state lines and/or exhibition. The test for EIA is commonly called a Coggins Test.
Horse owners who have concerns about their animal’s health or questions about possible exposure should contact your local veterinarian.
For more information about EIA or other animal disease issues in Kansas, go to the KDA–DAH website at agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalHealth. If you have questions, please call KDA–DAH at 785-564-6601.
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Prevention and Control of EIA
There is no approved vaccine for EIA in the United States. In order to prevent infection, follow these guidelines:
- Practice good fly control by regular mucking of stalls, proper disposal of manure away from horse stabling areas and use of fly sprays or natural predators to minimize fly presence.
- Use a sterile needle and syringe for all injections or treatments.
- Disinfect any surgical or dental equipment thoroughly between horses. Remove all debris and blood with soap and water before disinfection.
- Only administer commercially licensed blood products.
- Use a sterile needle each time when puncturing a multi-dose medication bottle. Consult a veterinarian to demonstrate how to use sterile technique when drawing up medications.
- Require proof of a recent negative Coggins test at time of purchase or for new horses entering the premises. Require an EIA test for horses which have spent time at a premises where EIA-positive horses have been identified.
- Only participate in events that require evidence of a negative Coggins test for every horse entering the event to prevent disease introduction and spread.
Separate horses with fevers, reduced feed intake and/or lethargy from your other horses and contact your veterinarian.
Contact Kansas Department of Agricultures facebook page or visit their website at
agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalHealth for more information.