Infectious pathogen discovered in Panhandle horses

Concern for livestock grew as the Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed 12 cases of equine infectious anemia June 4 in Northwestern Nebraska.

According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, EIA is dangerous only to horses, mules and donkeys.

"It's an insect-born pathogen that affects the central nervous system," said Sidney veterinarian Dr. Kenneth Cook. "They can get pretty sick."

EIA is typically transmitted by insects that bite, such as horseflies and deerflies, but can also be passed if the same needle is used on multiple horses according to the NDA.

When there is an outbreak of EIA, horse shows and rodeos are particularly dangerous Cook said. He advises ranchers to keep their livestock at home. Panhandle rancher Clinton Sterkel agrees with Cook.

"Keep your animals away from other sick animals," Sterkel said.

Any horse coming into the state should have a certification proving its health, Cook said. All horses brought into Nebraska need to take a Coggins test first, which checks for EIA antibodies. This is necessary before they are allowed near other horses.

Sterkel, who is involved with the Panhandle Ranch Horse Show which will take place June 23 and July 27 in Bridgeport wasn't sure if any restrictions would be placed on future horse shows in the state.

"It's too early to tell," he said.

The threat of EIA is a concern for local ranchers because it can cause devastation to those who've put a lot of time and money into their horses, Sterkel said.

EIA is usually fatal to the animals it infects but cannot spread to humans, according to the NDA.

"EIA symptoms include: fever, depression, weight loss, swelling and anemia," the Nebraska Department of Agriculture said in a press release.