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

Officials at the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) confirmed the state’s first 2020 case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) on March 16. TAHC staff is coordinating with the affected horse’s owner and attending veterinarian to monitor horses that might have been exposed and institute biosecurity procedures. The premises, located in Kleberg County, has been quarantined until TAHC’s requirements are met.

About 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 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.

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 to travel across state lines