eia at gulfstream park
A Coggins test screens horses’ blood for antibodies that are indicative of the presence of EIA. | Photo: Erica Larson/The Horse
The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported Feb. 7 that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed a positive case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a horse at Gulfstream Park, in Broward County, Florida.

“A quarantine has been placed on the infected animal and its on-premises contacts,” the EDCC said. “The quarantine will remain until all disease response activities have been completed, including follow-up testing. Trace-out activities may require FDACS to undertake actions at additional premises as outlined in the current program policy.”

EIA 101

Equine infectious anemia is a viral disease that attacks horses’ immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to a uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.

eia at gulfstream park
Broward County, Florida

Coggins test screens horses’ blood for antibodies that are indicative of the presence of EIA. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test in order to travel

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