Equine infectious anemia confirmed in horse in Nye County

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has confirmed a detection of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a horse in Nye County. A quarantine has been issued for the facility and exposed horses.

"We are working closely with the veterinarians in the area to address the situation and protect Nevada's animals," said NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Peter Rolfe.

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 in equine species through blood contact and cannot be spread through coughs, sneezes or casual contact. It can cause fever, weakness, swelling, irregular heartbeat and low red blood cell count. EIA cannot be transmitted to humans and is not a public health risk, therefore details about the location of the detection cannot be released, per Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 571.160, however, this is a reportable disease requiring veterinarians to notify the NDA upon detection. A list of reportable diseases can be found at agri.nv.gov.

Horse owners are urged to practice good horse health safety measures to reduce chances of an infectious disease being transferred. 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 of being 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.

###