The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has confirmed 12 cases of equine infectious anemia in one horse herd in the northwest part of the state.

State veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes said EIA only affects horses, mules and donkeys, and is usually fatal to these animals. No other animals or humans can be infected with the disease.

Horse owners are encouraged to take biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of infection in their herds including: implement control measures, including husbandry practices, that reduce biting insects; follow the rule of one horse-one needle; and additions to herds should have a negative Coggins test before being allowed to intermingle with other horses.

EIA symptoms include fever, depression, weight loss, swelling and anemia.

Those who are importing horses into Nebraska for showing or other reasons should follow Nebraska’s horse import regulations, which includes the requirement of a negative Coggins test.

For more information, visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s website or call (402) 471-2351.