The Tennessee state veterinarian is advising horse owners of four confirmed cases of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in the western part of that state.

Four horses stabled at three locations in Henderson County recently tested positive for EIA. A second round of screening confirmed the positive results. State officials are now testing additional horses that are stabled with or live near the infected horses.

“We take EIA very seriously,” said State Veterinarian Charles Hatcher, DVM. “Early detection and containment are critical to preventing the spread.”

The viral disease is most commonly transmitted by biting insects. At this time, there is no vaccine or treatment. Although an infected horse can run a low-grade fever or become lethargic, often there are no clinical signs. A horse remains infected throughout its lifetime and can pass the disease to other horses. Owners of EIA-positive horses have two options: lifetime quarantine of the animal or