Equine Infectious Anemia Quarantine FAQ
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is providing the following information in response to questions regarding the quarantine issued in Clark County and equine infectious anemia (EIA).
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Why was there a delay between positive test results and the quarantine being issued?
The priority, especially in the case of a slow-moving pathogen, was removal of the infected horse, thereby removing the exposure risk. There is a process that the NDA must follow when issuing a quarantine of this magnitude, including coordination with USDA, and addressing site security and safety of horse owners and staff. Why has public information not been posted/Why did it take so long for public information to be posted on the quarantine?
A news release was issued on Aug. 3, 2022. The release was issued when sufficient information was available and verified, and directly impacted parties had been communicated with. What date did the infected animal arrive at the facility?
That information is confidential per NRS 571.160. Is the date the equine arrived at the facility being provided to practitioners to help mitigate and manage this disease?
That information is confidential per NRS 571.160. If a DVM has a question regarding a specific case or exposure, they may contact the State Veterinarian. Why is the quarantine applied to all animals at the facility vs. those within 200 yards of the infected equine stall?
Horses do not remain restricted to stalls, they are out being ridden, worked, exercised around the facility and in pens in the facility, and traveling in and out of areas of the facility, as was the index horse. The facility’s board and the NDA confirmed that there were no areas on the premises where horses are restricted from movement and therefore could be considered not exposed. Why was the index case and neighboring animals not moved to the facility’s quarantine pens after the first non-negative test?
In coordination with USDA, it was determined that the designated quarantine pens at the facility were not a viable option for this situation. What outreach has been conducted with local DVMs?
The NDA and facility DVMs have had continued communication and collaboration regarding testing requirements, testing plans and ensuring area equine DVMs were notified. How will offsite emergency medical care for animals be facilitated if needed?
The NDA and facility DVMs have developed a procedure should offsite emergency medical care be required. In the case of an emergency, the DVM or owner will contact the State Veterinarian regarding the specifics of the case and the State Veterinarian will remain in communication with the treating DVM. What EIA tests will be accepted?
- The NDA will accept either an Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Assay (AGID) or Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test from an approved laboratory and collected by an accredited DVM. Owners can visit with their DVM regarding their testing options.
What testing is required for horses under quarantine?
- It is in the horse owners’ best interest to know if there is an additional positive as soon as possible. If horse owners would like to voluntarily submit any EIA tests conducted in the last 12 months to the State Veterinarian at pmundschenk@agri.nv.gov it can aide in the investigation.
- All horses are required to be tested for EIA on or after Sept. 27, 2022, unless an additional positive detection is made.
- The 60-day testing period is based on the incubation period for the disease. Testing dates are subject to change as the investigation continues and/or any additional positive detections are confirmed.
The news release mentioned an event in Washoe County June 2022, what should we do if we attended?
The NDA is recommending that owner's of animals that attended events in Washoe County on or after June 20, 2022 contact the event manager for information on if the event was impacted and testing is recommended.