Hold Your Horses: Equine Disease in Nine Counties in Colorado

Numerous horses have tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia across Colorado. There are currently fifteen premises in nine counties that are under a quarantine order here in Colorado.

Last month a horse in Weld County tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia which, is:

...a viral disease spread by bloodsucking insects, inappropriate use of needles, or other equipment used between susceptible equine animals.

This launched an investigation to track down all possibly infected horses. There approximately 140 horses that are being located, according to State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for EIA, which means horses are either quarantined forever or euthanized. There are hundreds of horses in 19 states that potentially have the disease.

Anyone who has purchased a horse between July 18 and August 20 in Weld County is being asked to contact the State Veterinarian's Office.

Here are the counties in Colorado that are currently on a quarantine hold order:

• Adams County
• Arapahoe County
• Crowley County
• Delta County
• Douglas County
• El Paso County
• Mesa County
• Montrose County
• Weld County

The names and locations are not allowed to be released, according to the Fort Morgan Times.