CLARK COUNTY, Nev. -
August 03, 2022The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has confirmed a detection
of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a horse at a facility in Clark County during
routine testing. A quarantine has been issued for the facility and all horses
on the premises will undergo testing to prevent potential spread of the
disease. Horses that attended an event in Washoe County within the month of
June 2022 are also encouraged to test.
“We are working closely with local veterinarians and the
facility to address the situation and prevent the potential spread of disease,”
said NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Amy Mitchell.
Equine species, including horses, donkeys and mules, are
required to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and submit proof of a negative
EIA test within 12 months prior to entry as part of Nevada's entry
requirements. Negative EIA tests are required for movement between all
states and the U.S. Department of Agriculture lists EIA
requirements for importation into the U.S.
EIA is transmitted through blood contact and cannot be
spread through coughs, sneezes or casual contact. This is a reportable disease,
meaning when veterinarians diagnose it, they are required to notify the NDA,
per NRS
571.160. A list of reportable diseases can be found at agri.nv.gov.
EIA is a disease transmitted in equine species that can cause fever, weakness,
swelling, irregular heartbeat and low red blood cell count. It cannot be transmitted
to humans and is not a public health risk, therefore details about the facility
cannot be released, per Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 571.160.
“While there is no treatment for EIA, it can only be spread by
contaminated blood of an infected horse,” said Dr. Mitchell. “Infected horses
may not show symptoms but remain carriers for life, making routine testing key
to prevention of spread of this disease.”
Horse owners are urged to practice good horse
health safety measures to reduce chances of an infectious disease being
transferred, and get as much background information as possible before purchasing
horses. Basic practices include:
- Never share equipment between horses. Single-use
medical equipment such as needles, syringes, and IV lines should never be
re-used, and should never be shared between different horses. Dental tools and
other instruments should be fully sterilized between horses.
- Practice good fly control by keeping stalls dry,
removing standing water, managing manure, and using fly deterrents and
repellants.
- Horses should have a routine testing schedule
for EIA and should be tested prior to attending events.
- Test horses at the time of purchase examination.
Work with a veterinarian on a quarantine and/or retesting protocol prior to
introducing a new horse to current horses. Before purchasing, get as much
background information on the horse including any domestic or international travel
or importation.
- Any horses entering
the U.S. from other countries require testing and quarantine prior to entry.
Horses suspected to be ill should be reported to their veterinarian
for appropriate care. Visit https://agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Equine/
for more information.
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada
Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and
promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees
providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal
Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance.
The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative
work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and
environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and
oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and
community nutrition programs.
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