Deadly EIA outbreak claims over 20 horses in the Southwest

A deadly outbreak of Equine Infectious Anemia has claimed the lives dozens of Quarter Horses in the Southwest United States, prompting investigations and racing suspensions across several states.

All 23 horses that tested positive for the virus were connected to the barn of trainer Heath Taylor, whose operations have been heavily impacted.

According to the Equine Disease Communication Center, the affected horses were traced to races held in New Mexico during August and September. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the disease likely spread through iatrogenic transmission — unintentional exposure through contaminated medical treatment or equipment.

A source told AGDAILY that heparinized saline at a veterinary clinic was contaminated by a dirty needle or syringe. 

Taylor, who trained 2022 All American Futurity winner Hes Judgeandjury, has been summarily suspended from racing in New Mexico. He continues to run horses in Texas.

Among the horses lost were Sand In My Socks and The Catattac. The 70 Ranch Performance Horses team, which owned both mares, confirmed their euthanasia as required by state regulations.

“It is devastating to lose one horse, but two at the same time has been unimaginable,” they said in a statement honoring the mares’ legacies and impact.

“The Catattac was a 2006 mare by High Brow Cat x Sprats Dualin Jewel and she was a cornerstone dam with an impressive PE of $717,000 NCHA and was the dam to the well-known and highly respected stallion, CR Gotcha Covered,” reads the social media post. 

The other mare, Sand In My Socks was a 2018 mare by BHR Frenchies Socks x dtr of Tres Seis with earnings of $260,000 in the futurities.

There is no cure or vaccine for EIA, which is spread through blood. Infected horses can remain asymptomatic or die suddenly, and chronic carriers must be quarantined for life or euthanized to prevent further spread.

»Related: 2 Colorado horses euthanized for Equine Infectious Anemia