Friday, April 25, 1997

Owners doing great job of getting horses tested for EIA

By J.T. Smith

Since the first of the year, nearly 60,000 equine - horses, donkeys, mules and other related animals - in Texas have tested "clean" for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).

This has come from voluntary compliance with new livestock health regulations aimed at control of the spread of this incurable equine viral disease - sometimes commonly called "Coggins" disease or "swamp fever."

"I'm pleased and proud that the industry has supported increased testing for equine involved in trail rides, shows, fairs, rodeos, and other competitions," says R.A. "Rob" Brown, Jr., chairman and equine representative for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). "When equine are gathered for events, it's reassuring to know the health status of the animals that are participating, as EIA can be spread by biting flies that transfer droplets of blood from infected equine to clean animals."

Brown also served as president of the American Quarter Horse Association.

"The old saying, 'you can't tell by looking' certainly applies with EIA, because infected equine don't always look sick," the Throckmorton rancher notes.

It's a tricky disease.

"In some animals, the infection can cause high fever, weight loss, and severe anemia. In those instances, owners become alarmed and call their veterinarian," Brown says. "On the other hand, there are infected equine that display symptoms only when they are overworked, stressed or injured, then they recover."

Finally, Brown observes, there is the animal that displays no symptoms, but is an inapparent carrier that can still be instrumental in spreading the infection.

All infected animals should be considered dangerous as they pose a threat to clean equine.

Commended horse owners

Brown commended horse and other equine owners, who voluntarily have shouldered the cost of testing their animals.

He also credits private veterinary practitioners - many of whom have sponsored testing clinics at reduced cost for horse clubs, small towns, rodeo groups, or organizations.

"By rough estimates, I calculate Texas equine owners have spent more than $860,000 having blood samples pulled on these animals and tested at the approved laboratories," Brown allows. "By finding the infected equine and keeping them away from 'clean' animals, we can slow the spread of EIA, a viral disease for which there is no vaccine, cure, or effective treatment."

Since 1990, more than 3,500 equine in Texas have been diagnosed with the disease. Of these, 229 have been detected since January, due to the widespread testing."

Texas had 26 percent of the nation's infected equine last year.

Owners face tough choices if they have an animal infected with EIA. If they choose to keep the animal, TAHC regulations require the animal to be quarantined for life, at least 200 yards from other equine.

Moreover, the quarantine extends to all equine under common ownership or management. As of April, only 108 known EIA-infected equine are being held in quarantine and under monitored conditions.

He says most equine owners make the gut-wrenching, but healthier and more responsible choice to have the infected animal euthanized, sold to slaughter, or provided to a research facility.

Brown said the TAHC will delay enforcement activities at events until after July 1, in the hopes that most equine owners will continue to comply voluntarily with the testing requirement. For private treaty sales, an EIA test is required within the past 12 months. TAHC also stands by the requirement for equine to have had a negative test within the past 12 months to be taken to competitions, fairs, shows, rodeos, exhibitions, or trail rides.