Updated on October 15th, 2024:
Due to the unfortunate and troubling increased instances of the viral Equine Infectious Anemia(EIA) disease being diagnosed in racehorses, the State of New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC), together with the State of New Mexico Livestock Board, announce the following:
Effective Tuesday October 15, 2024, it is mandatory that all horses shipping into either The Downs at Albuquerque or Zia Park must provide the original proof of a negative Coggins test drawn within the previous thirty (30) days in order to gain entry. NO, EXCEPTIONS!!
Due to the detection of cases of EIA in racehorses housed on grounds and facilities under the regulatory jurisdiction of the NMRC, it is strongly recommended all licensees of horses currently being housed at such locations immediately contact their veterinarians to get an updated Coggins test for all such animals and retain all paperwork showing negative test results.
These procedures are necessary to protect the health and safety of the equine athletes which are the foundation of New Mexico's horse racing industry. The NMRC thanks its licensees for taking this matter seriously and for their cooperation and compliance.
To download the PDF with this information that was released by the Racing Commision, click the link below:
New Mexico reports first human case of West Nile virus infection in 2024
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The state recommends that horse owners vaccinate their animals to protect them from West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) – in cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) and the New Mexico Livestock Board – make the recommendation after NMHealth confirmed a West Nile Virus infection in a resident of Union County.
Horses, as well as humans, become infected after being bitten by many different mosquito species infected with WNV that have fed on infected birds. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), horses represent 96.9% of all reported non-human cases of WNV in mammals.
The virus enters a horse’s bloodstream and spreads to the spinal cord and brain, causing wide-spread inflammation. Clinical signs of WNV typically present within three to 15 days after exposure. Horses and humans are considered dead-end hosts of the virus and do not contribute to the transmission cycle. The virus is not directly contagious from horse to horse, nor from horse to human. Indirect transmission via mosquitoes from infected horses is highly unlikely because horses have insignificant amounts of virus circulating in their blood. Mechanical transmission of the virus, such as through a blood transfusion, is possible. For more information on disease transmission, see the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension publication on West Nile Virus in Horses.
Classic clinical signs of horses infected with WNV include:
- Fever
- Ataxia (incoordination)
- Stumbling
- Hind limb weakness
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Recumbency with the inability to rise
- Muscle tremors
- Dysphagia (inability to swallow)
- Head pressing
- Signs of colic
- Behavior changes
- Convulsions or even coma
While all horses are susceptible to WNV disease, many horses infected with WNV may not show clinical symptoms, and some horses can die without showing signs of disease prior to death.
If your horse is showing abnormal behavior or any neurological signs (such as ataxia), call your veterinarian immediately. It is very important to rule out other neurological diseases, such as rabies, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis, the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV1), botulism, wobbler syndrome (cervical vertebral myelopathy), among other diseases.
There is no specific treatment or cure for horses infected with West Nile Virus. Veterinary care includes administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and intravenous fluids, if necessary. Supportive care is important for infected horses to ensure adequate food and water intake, protect the safety of the horse (to prevent injuries in ataxic horses), and to prevent pressure sores in recumbent horses.
In 2023, 19 horses were confirmed to have West Nile virus; six of those horses died. “Don’t wait until it’s too late,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, NMHealth Public Health Veterinarian. “Vaccinations can make a difference and protect your horses from West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.”
The AAEP recommends vaccinating all horses against WNV. “Horse owners in New Mexico are encouraged to contact their veterinarian about vaccinating their horse or horses,” said state veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck. For information on the USDA-licensed vaccines that are currently available, as well as vaccination guidelines, visit the AAEP website.
For further guidance on West Nile virus in horses, including information on prognosis for infected horses, see NMDA’s West Nile virus fact sheet.
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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has shared its final rule for enhancing animal disease traceability (ADT) efforts for cattle and bison. This rule was published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024, and goes into effect November 5, 2024.
The updated rule requires official ear tags to be visually and electronically readable for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison, The final rule applies to:
- Sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age and older
- All dairy cattle
- Cattle and bison of any age for rodeo or recreation events
- Cattle or bison of any age used for shows or exhibition
Metal official identification tags that are currently in place can remain in those animals as their permanent identification and do not need to be removed or replaced. As of November 5, 2024, metal tags may no longer be placed in the ear and used as official identification in cattle or bison.
Additional information is available through the USDA APHIS website and in the Frequently Asked Questions: Animal Disease Traceability Rule (9CFR Part 86). Free electronic identification (RFID) tags are available to New Mexico cattle producers, sale barns, and accredited veterinarians through the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB). A premises identification number (PIN) is required and can be obtained through the NMLB prior to ordering tags. Please contact the NMLB office at 505-841-6161
Click on the link below for a handy fact sheet regarding animal disease traceability:
Below is an excerpt from this document from the USDA regarding these new requirements:
"The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing this Federal Order to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI is a contagious viral disease of domestic poultry and wild birds. HPAI is deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days. HPAI is a threat to the poultry industry, animal health, human health, trade, and the economy worldwide. In the US, HPAI has now been detected in dairy cattle.
Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle
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Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.
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owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
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Dairy cattle moving interstate must adhere to conditions specified by APHIS.
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As will be described in forthcoming guidance, these steps will be immediately required for lactating dairy cattle, while these requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.
Mandatory Reporting
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Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection diagnostic results (e.g. PCR or genetic sequencing) in livestock to USDA APHIS.
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Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A serology diagnostic results in livestock to USDA APHIS.
For more information regarding this Federal Order go to HPAI Detections in Livestock Page."
See the following links for more detail:
Frequently Asked Questions
APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers
APHIS Page for HIPAI