The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division has confirmed one positive case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a Quarter Horse at a Hall County facility. The affected horse was identified during routine EIA testing for interstate movement and was humanely euthanized, according to an Equine Disease Communication Center report released on July 23, 2019. The remaining horses at the facility are under quarantine pending follow-up testing, which will occur in 60 days. This is the third confirmed EIA case in Georgia this year.
Equine infectious anemia is a viral disease that attacks horses’ immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles. From “The Horse” magazine July, 24,2019 via — https://thehorse.com/176705/georgia-horse-confirmed-with-eia-euthanized/
In response to recent Equine Infectious Anemia cases the Georgia Department of Agriculture has created the following PSA’s:
Equine Health Public Service Announcement
Horses are often very important family companions and protecting the health of your horse is incredibly important, especially with the recently observed increase in Equine Infectious Anemia and Piroplasmosis cases associated with racing quarter horses.
What can you do to protect the health of your horse? It is important to follow your veterinarian’s guidance when administering medications.
- Always use a new, sterile needle and syringe for injections and when using multi-dose medication bottles;
- Wash and disinfect all dental, surgical, and tattooing equipment between horses;
- Monitor and control for the presence of ticks or flies;
- Only administer commercially licensed blood products;
Always contact your veterinarian if your horses show signs of illness. Signs of illness could include fever; depression; weakness; weight loss; swelling of the chest, legs, and abdomen; bleeding; bloody urine; anemia; or sudden death. Be sure to schedule regular physical examinations and blood tests with your veterinarian. And remember, when traveling with your horse be sure to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and a current negative Equine Infectious Anemia test (Coggins) from your veterinarian.
For more information, contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Division at (404) 656-3667.
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