On Aug. 28, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) confirmed a positive case of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in a Musselshell County horse.
The animal, identified through a required Coggins test for interstate movement, was later confirmed positive by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service laboratories in Ames, IA. The property is now under quarantine while MDOL investigates the horse’s movement and ownership history to identify potential exposures.
“Cases of EIA in Montana are sporadic,” said State Veterinarian Tahnee Szymanski. Szymanski said prevention relies on testing new purchases and interstate travelers. With no treatment available, infected horses face limited options: lifetime quarantine, euthanasia or donation for research.
