A pregnant mare in Douglas County and another horse in Jefferson County will be put down after testing positive this month for equine infectious anemia.
The viral disease can cause death as well as fever, weight loss, weakness and other symptoms in animals such as horses, mules and donkeys, according to a Colorado Department of Agriculture news release. There is no cure, and infected animals must be quarantined for life or killed to avoid spreading the disease.
“This case is a sobering reminder of the potentially devastating and far-reaching consequences of failing to adhere to sanitary protocols,” state veterinarian Maggie Baldwin said in the news release. “I encourage all Colorado veterinarians to review their practice’s sanitation protocols with their staff.”
The Douglas County horse tested positive on April 5 and April 10 after traveling to Colorado, and its infection was linked to an outbreak at a Texas veterinary clinic that failed to follow proper hygiene practices. The Jefferson County horse was tested on April 9 and April 15.
The agriculture department said the horses’ owners made the decision to euthanize the animals, and the risk to the rest of the state’s horse population is “low.” No other exposed horses have been identified, though the agency said its investigation is ongoing.
Colorado recommends horses be tested annually for the disease and that all equestrian shows, rodeos, fairs and similar events require a negative test as a requirement for entry.
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