The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has reported two incidents involving horses testing positive for reportable diseases in the state. The department is addressing these cases according to its disease response plan.
In mid-July, a horse in Sedgwick County tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), as confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. The affected facility and all horses there have been quarantined pending further testing. Preliminary results suggest additional horses may be infected. EIA is an untreatable disease, and actions are being taken accordingly. Horses that tested negative will be monitored and retested in 60 days. The symptomatic horse died from EIA complications.
A surveillance area within one-quarter mile of the affected site has been established, with local officials and horse owners assisting in identifying other potentially exposed horses. EIA does not affect humans but can spread among equines through biting flies, contaminated instruments, or blood transfusions. Symptoms include fever, anemia, and edema, though some horses may show no signs yet still carry the disease.
The United States typically sees few EIA cases annually due to regular testing requirements like the Coggins test before interstate travel or exhibitions. Kansas recently expanded regulations to mandate a negative Coggins test within 12 months for horses changing ownership or used for exhibitions.
Additionally, a case of West Nile virus (WNV) has been confirmed in a horse in Harper County. WNV affects humans, horses, birds, and other species but is not directly contagious between horses or from horses to humans. Symptoms in horses range from depression and fever to severe neurological issues. The infected horse was not up-to-date on vaccinations but is responding well to treatment.
Horse owners are advised to consult veterinarians about vaccination plans against WNV, which is preventable with annual vaccines. Mosquitoes transmit WNV; thus, reducing mosquito populations by eliminating stagnant water sources and using repellents is recommended.
Both EIA and WNV are reportable diseases in Kansas; confirmed cases must be reported to the KDA Division of Animal Health. For more information on these diseases or other animal health issues in Kansas, visit agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalHealth or call 785-564-6601.
Information from this article can be found here.
