Test Results Show 27 of 53 Wild Horses Infected with EIA

Tests to determine the presence of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) on 53 wild horses near Vernal, Utah have determined that 27 of the animals are infected with the disease. The test results have been confirmed by duplicate testing. In accordance with state law, and in order to protect the health of the thousands of horses throughout Utah, the Department of Agriculture and Food will have the infected horses euthanized.

"No one wants to destroy these beautiful and proud horses. But when they pose such a significant threat to the lives of thousands of other horses, we must do what's medically responsible, no matter how much it may hurt," said State Veterinarian, Michael R. Marshall.

The horses are located in a BLM management unit just 30 miles south of Vernal, Utah in the Bonanza area. The apparent high incidence of infection is of great concern to Dr. Marshall, and horse owners and advocates statewide. The proximity of this herd to other animals under private ownership poses a very real disease threat. Two of the positive animals are, in fact, privately owned. Of equal concern are the disease implications on the health of the wild horse herd in the BLM management unit. This concern dictates that all tested horses--even those who showed no signs of the disease--in this unit will be confined and retested in 45 days prior to being released back to the range.

This development occurred after the detection in March of more than 30 infected animals in a privately owned herd in the Ouray area. Approximately 650 horses were gathered in an effort to eliminate the disease in that herd, in conjunction with a planned reduction in herd size by the owners. Disease control efforts initiated by the UDAF in both situations should greatly reduce or eliminate the threat of this disease in the future. State legislators, BLM administrators and horse owners statewide h ave been supportive of this effort.

Every year more than 7,000 horses in Utah are tested for EIA. Until this outbreak, Utah has experienced a very low incidence of the disease. Normally, only one or two horses have tested positive per year and many of those have had opportunity for exposure outside the state. It is important that Utah does not allow this disease to gain a foothold in the state. The loss of a loved and valued animal to this disease is heartbreaking for all who are involved in the situation. The cooperation of private horse owners, Ute Tribal leaders, and BLM administrators in this extraordinary disease control effort is to be commended.

Posted 29 May, 1998