eia in iowa
A Coggins test screens horses’ blood for antibodies that are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse

The Equine Disease Communication Center reported April 8 that four Quarter Horses from Polk County, Iowa, have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA).

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.

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

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.