Equine Infectious Anemia

Positive Case Confirmed in Weld County, Colorado

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Confirmed in Colorado

A horse in Weld County was confirmed positive for EIA. The horse which tested positive entered Colorado for a sale without a negative Coggins or health certificate and was sold and transported out of Colorado before the test results came back. The EIA positive horse has been euthanized.

In total approximately 240 horses were exposed to the infected horse and 100 of the exposed horses were sent to 20 other states. 37 exposed horses have been located in Colorado. The following counties are under hold orders: Adams, Arapahoe, Crowley, Delta, Douglas, El Paso, Mesa, Montrose, and Weld.

EIA is an infectious viral disease that is spread by biting insects and the inappropriate use of contaminated equipment such as needles.

EIA affects horses, mules, and donkeys, causing high fever, weakness, weight loss, and death. There is no cure or vaccine for this disease and infected animals must be quarantined for life or euthanized.

The test for EIA is called the Coggins test and is required for travel out of the state and in order to enter certain competitions. We recommend this test annually.

EIA is a reportable disease. It is not spread to humans.

For more information you can visit the CDA Equine Infectious Anemia website.