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NEWS
RELEASE
Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966 *Austin, Texas 78711 *(800) 550-8242* FAX (512)
719-0719
Linda Logan, DVM, PhD* Executive Director
For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at
1-800-550-8242,
ext. 710,
or
ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us
For Immediate Release--
New Regulation to Protect Horses from Equine
Infectious Anemia (EIA)
Horse
enthusiasts with limited area on which to keep their animals can
now be assured that nearby horses have tested negative for
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). EIA, also referred to as
"Coggins" or "Swamp Fever," is an incurable disease that can be
carried by biting flies from infected equids
(horses, mules, donkeys or asses) to "clean" animals.
While most infected animals appear healthy, some may die from
the virus. Other equids will develop chronic, recurring
health problems, such as debilitating weight loss, fever,
depression, weakness and swelling of the legs. There is no
cure or approved vaccine for EIA, and treatment is limited to
providing comfort to the sick animal.
To combat the spread of EIA, the Texas Animal Health Commission
(TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory authority,in
response to citizen petitions, has enacted a new regulation
that requires equids to have had a negative blood test for EIA
within the previous 12 months, if the animals are boarded,
stabled or pastured within 200 yards of equids owned by another
person.
"Concerned owners approached the TAHC commissioners several
months ago with a petition, asking for this new regulation,"
commented Dr. Linda Logan, Texas' state veterinarian
and TAHC executive director. "Because many horse owners in
Texas have small plots of land, they wanted to be assured that
their animals would not be near potentially infected equids."
Dr. Logan stressed that although EIA-infected equids do not
spread the disease through close contact, biting flies can
mechanically carry viral-laden blood from one animal to another.
EIA does not affect humans or animals other than equids, she
explained.
"Owners may call the TAHC headquarters or their TAHC area
office, to request assistance with this regulation," said Dr.
Logan. "A TAHC representative will first ensure that the
complainant's animals have up-to-date EIA test documents.
Then, TAHC staff will canvass neighboring premises to gain
compliance with the testing requirements."
Dr. Logan said the TAHC has worked to control EIA for many years
and Texas has had a dramatic decline in the viral infection
since l997, when more than 730 equids tested positive in Texas.
Of the 250,000 equids tested in Texas in 2001, only 124 were
infected, a drop which Dr. Logan credits to
owner concern, more stringent testing requirements and a growing
awareness of EIA.
Current TAHC regulations require equids to be test-negative for
EIA within the previous 12 months, if they are hauled to
assemblies, such as fairs, shows, exhibitions, rodeos or trail
rides. The 12-month EIA test rule also applies to equidae
undergoing a change of ownership or entering the state.
EIA-positive equine are permanently identified with a "74A"
on their left shoulder and must either be euthanized, sold to
slaughter or provided to an approved research facility, or
remain quarantined for life, at least 200 yards from other
equidae. |
