The Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Animal Health (DAH) has been notified of two separate cases in which horses have tested positive for reportable diseases. The agency has responded to both incidents according to the state’s disease response plan.
In mid-July, DAH was notified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory that a horse in Sedgwick County tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The facility and all horses on site were placed under quarantine for further testing. Preliminary results indicate more have the virus. Those testing negative will be retested in 60 days. DAH has designated a surveillance area within one-quarter mile of the facility and is working to identify other horses that may have been in that area.
EIA does not affect people, but it can spread to horses, mules and donkeys. The virus can be transmitted by biting flies, the use of contaminated medical instruments or through a blood transfusion. Clinical signs include fever, anemia and edema; however, affected horses may not show symptoms. EIA is untreatable and can be fatal in horses. All infected horses are carriers of the disease.
In the U.S., a Coggins test for EIA is required for horses traveling interstate and/or being used in exhibition. This spring, DAH expanded that regulation to require a negative test within the previous 12 months for horses changing ownership or used in exhibition.
DAH also received notification of a confirmed case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a horse in Harper County. WNV can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Symptoms in horses include depression, loss of appetite, fever, incoordination, weakness, inability to rise and hypersensitivity to touch or sound, and it can be fatal. A veterinarian immediately should be contacted if animals show signs of the virus.
WNV can be prevented with annual vaccinations. All horse owners should consult with their local veterinarians on a vaccination plan. The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes. Although both horses and humans are susceptible, it is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human. Horse owners should work to reduce mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas, including removing stagnant water sources and using repellents.
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