A Coggins test screens horses’ blood for antibodies that are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. | Photo: Erica Larson/The Horse

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials have confirmed equine infectious anemia (EIA) in eight horses since July 2019. Horses that tested positive have been euthanized, and the affected premises will remain under quarantine until they meet TAHC requirements. Owners and veterinarians have worked closely with TAHC staff to monitor potentially exposed horses and to implement biosecurity procedures.

Horses and counties affected include:

• Travis County – one horse on one premises, quarantined July 15
• Collin County – one horse on one premises, quarantined July 19
• Kaufman County – three horses on one premises, quarantined July 15
• Kaufman County – one horse on one premises, quarantined July 15
• Tarrant County – one horse on one premises, quarantined Aug. 1
• Camp County – one horse on one premises, quarantined Sept. 3

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 an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles