07/26/2026
🚨 Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA): What Every Horse Owner Should Know. 🚨
The recent confirmed cases of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in Washington State are a good reminder that biosecurity isn’t just for large boarding barns. Every horse owner plays a role in helping prevent the spread of disease.
What is EIA?
Often called “Swamp Fever,” EIA is a viral disease that affects horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. Unfortunately, there is no cure and no vaccine in the United States. Horses that become infected remain infected for life. Some become seriously ill, while others appear completely healthy but can still spread the virus.
How does it spread? 🦟
EIA is spread through blood. The most common routes include:
• Horse flies and deer flies carrying infected blood from one horse to another
• Reusing needles or syringes
• Contaminated surgical or dental equipment
• Blood transfusions from infected horses
Signs to watch for
Not every infected horse looks sick, but possible signs include:
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Swelling of the legs or underside of the abdomen
• Decreased performance
How to protect your horse
✅ Keep an up-to-date negative Coggins test, especially before travel, boarding, or events.
✅ Never share needles or syringes.
✅ Ensure veterinarians and equine professionals use sterile equipment.
✅ Reduce biting flies by using fly sheets, masks, repellents, and manure management.
✅ Isolate any horse with an unexplained fever until your veterinarian evaluates them.
The good news? EIA is still relatively rare, and simple biosecurity practices go a long way toward keeping our horses safe.
Have questions about Coggins testing or farm biosecurity? We’d be happy to point you in the right direction!
