The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Health confirmed positive test results for equine infectious anemia (EIA) in two horses earlier this month in northeastern Missouri. Department officials have tested 696 other horses, including those located nearby and any that might have been in contact with the infected animals. No further positive cases have been identified.

On Jan. 5, a Belgian horse in rural Pike County tested positive for EIA. The animal was immediately quarantined and humanely euthanized following additional testing in mid-January. A second horse on the farm tested positive for EIA on Jan. 7. That horse was humanely euthanized as well.

"Although this disease does not affect humans, it is a disease that can have a devastating impact on our equine industry," said director of agriculture Jon Hagler, PhD. "We will continue to closely monitor the situation and remind horse owners to schedule regular Coggins tests with their veterinarian to screen for this disease."

EIA is a contagious, viral disease most commonly transmitted through horse flies, deer flies, mosquitoes, and gnats. The disease is found in equine species, including horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, but does not affect humans. There are no known vaccines available to prevent or protect from this disease