A Coggins test screens horses’ blood for antibodies that are indicative of the presence of EIA. and veterinarians also use serologic tests to diagnose EP. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) confirmed equine infectious anemia (EIA) in nine racing Quarter Horses located on a Smith County premises on Jan. 31. Subsequently, seven of the EIA-positive horses and one additional horse on the property tested positive for equine piroplasmosis (EP).

The Smith County premises remains in compliance with TAHC rules which require owners to maintain EIA and EP exposed horses in a quarantine zone of no less than 200 yards from unexposed equine and retest exposed animals until cleared.

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