Colfax County horse with equine infectious anemia is first confirmed NE case since 2013

(Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture)

LINCOLN — A Colfax County horse has tested positive for equine infectious anemia — the first confirmed case in Nebraska since 2013.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed the case Thursday and said the horses on the infected premises have been quarantined.

The department is working with the owner and local veterinarian to monitor potentially exposed horses. The animals will be released after state requirements are met, the department said in a statement.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an incurable, infectious viral disease that affects equids — horses, ponies, zebras, mules and donkeys. It can be spread through biting, blood-feeding flies and unclean or contaminated needles and instruments.

Currently there are no U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved vaccines for EIA. Since there is no treatment, infected animals must be permanently isolated, quarantined or euthanized, according to the NDA web site .

There is no evidence that EIA is a threat to human health. It is a reportable animal disease in all states.

Owners can help limit the spread by following strict biosecurity measures, by regularly testing equine for diseases and by prioritizing sanitary practices, especially when injecting horses, said Dr. Roger Dudley, Nebraska’s state veterinarian.

“Producers and veterinarians play an important role in limiting the spread of EIA and other bloodborne equine diseases by reporting sick equine,” he said.

Common signs of EIA include fever, decreased appetite, bleeding from the nose or red or purple spots on mucous membrane, as well as blood-stained feces, rapid breathing, weakness and atrophy of muscles.

Clinical signs range from mild to severe and appear within a few weeks after infection, though it could take 60 days or more for a horse to test positive. Infected animals that survive become virus carriers and can infect other equids for life.

Nebraska has import restrictions on livestock coming into the state from states with confirmed EIA cases. To learn more about the importation order, prevention or other concerns, Nebraskans can call 402-471-2351 or visit the NDA website.

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