Murfreesboro Post
MURFREESBORO WEATHER

Four horses euthanized with disease in county




Hatcher

Hatcher

The state veterinarian is advising horse owners of four cases of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Rutherford County.

Staff at the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory tested blood samples and determined that four horses stabled at a farm in Rutherford County were positive for EIA. Those horses were euthanized.

Six other horses at the same farm tested negative, but will remain in quarantine until they can be tested a second time.

EIA is not contagious to humans. It is a blood-borne illness that can be fatal for horses. Symptoms may include fever, weakness, swelling, loss of appetite or colic. However, an infected horse may not show any clinical signs. There is no treatment or vaccine. Once infected, a horse must be permanently quarantined or euthanized. 

“EIA is a serious disease, with devastating consequences,” State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Hatcher said. “Horse owners should do what they can to minimize risk — including regular testing, taking steps to safeguard against biting insects, and practicing good animal husbandry.”

Leave a Reply