Nebraska horse found with incurable disease not seen in state since 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. ( KCAU ) — An incurable, infectious viral disease that spreads through blood-to-blood contact has been confirmed in Colfax County.

According to a release from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) was confirmed in Nebraska for the first time since 2013. The horses on the infected premises have been quarantined and will be released after state regulations are met.

The release noted that the NDA staff are working with the owner and local veterinarian to monitor potentially exposed horses.

The virus can be spread by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies, deerflies, or stable flies, and by people using contaminated medical equipment such as needles, syringes, and IV sets, according to the release. There are no USDA-approved vaccines for EIA.

“Equine owners can help limit the spread of EIA by following strict biosecurity measures, by regularly testing equine for diseases such as EIA, and by prioritizing sanitary practices, especially when injecting horses,” State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley said. “Producers and veterinarians play an important role in limiting the spread of EIA and other bloodborne equine diseases by reporting sick equine.”

Additionally, the release states that owners can help protect their equine by implementing insect controls, keeping stables and facilities clean, eliminating standing water, using one needle per horse, separating infected equine from the healthy, and never using blood-contaminated medical equipment on multiple equids.

Signs of EIA may include fever, depression, low platelet count, anemia, red or purple spots on the mucous membranes, edema, muscle weakness, and muscle atrophy. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and acute to chronic. It could take 60 days or more for the horse to test positive, and animals who survive the disease become carriers and can infect other equids for life, according to the release.

There are import restrictions for livestock coming into states that have confirmed EIA cases, including in Nebraska. Anyone considering moving an animal into the state should call 402-471-2351 for more information on the importation order.

The release also noted that EIA affects exports. Anyone transporting animals and animal products to other states should contact their destination and learn about their import requirements before transporting animals.

For additional information about EIA from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, click here .

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