DENVER (KDVR) — A horse in Douglas County and a horse in Jefferson County were both confirmed to have positive cases of Equine Infectious Anemia, the Colorado Department of Agriculture announced Thursday.
The disease is incurable, the CDA said, and in both cases, the owners decided to euthanize the positive horses. The agency says that despite the concerns, the risk to the general equine population in Colorado is considered low right now.
The first case was identified in Douglas County on April 5, CDA said in a release. The animal in question was a pregnant mare that was tested after traveling to Colorado. On April 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the case.
“This case has been associated with a recent large EIA outbreak associated with a veterinary clinic in Texas between May and September of 2024,” CDA wrote in its announcement of the cases. “Improper hygiene practices are attributed to the transmission of disease between equine patients at the clinic. So far, no additional Colorado exposed horses have been identified, however the investigation is ongoing.”
The second horse was suspected to be positive on April 9 after it was tested at a veterinary clinic for a certificate of veterinary inspection before transport. The USDA confirmed the case on April 15. Exposed horses have been quarantined and are undergoing testing, the CDA wrote.
“The confirmed transmission in the Texas outbreak highlights the importance of strict disease prevention practices and routine EIA testing,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin in the CDA release. “This case is a sobering reminder of the potentially devastating and far-reaching consequences of failing to adhere to sanitary protocols. I encourage all Colorado veterinarians to review their practice’s sanitation protocols with their staff.”
Horses are recommended to be tested for EIA annually, known as the Coggins test. If a horse is to be transported across state lines, a negative Coggins test must be obtained.
“CDA strongly recommends that all equestrian shows, rodeos, fairs, and other equine events require a negative EIA test for entry, even if the horses haven’t crossed state lines, to further safeguard the equine population from potential disease spread,” the agency said Thursday.
CDA said the disease is spread by large biting insects or the inappropriate use of needles and other equipment between equine animals.
