Spread of Contagious Anemia in Horses Reported in Tübingen County

Breaking News: Equine Infectious Anemia Confirmed in Tübingen County

The county of Tübingen in Baden-Württemberg has reported a case of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a rare disease in Germany. The national reference laboratory, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI), has confirmed the case.

The affected farm is currently under official observation, and quarantine measures have been implemented. Transmission of the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is primarily through the exchange of blood, with large blood-sucking insects acting as vectors. Transmission is also possible through direct contact between horses and iatrogenically.

Infection by insects is limited to the immediate vicinity within a radius of 100 to 200 meters. Horses displaying unclear symptoms, such as treatment-resistant fever or apathy, should be immediately presented to the local veterinarian. In case of suspected epidemic, the responsible veterinary office should be notified promptly.

In recent years, outbreaks of Equine Infectious Anemia in Baden-Württemberg have primarily affected regions such as Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, and the surrounding areas. Initial findings suggest contacts with farms and horses in several counties, affecting all regions in Baden-Württlement.

Authorities are conducting epidemiological investigations to identify farms and horses that the infected horse may have been in contact with. For media inquiries, contact the Press Office of the Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection.

It's important to note that the virus cannot be transmitted to humans. For general inquiries, use the Contact Form on the Ministry's website. For further questions, contact the responsible veterinary offices of the city and counties.

Between 2017 and 2024, there have been 14 outbreaks of Equine Infectious Anemia reported in various states across Germany. In 2017, there were two outbreaks in Tübingen, three in Bavaria, three in Hamburg, two in Lower Saxony, three in North Rhine-Westphalia, and one in Schleswig-Holstein. There were also single outbreaks in 2018 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 2020 in Hesse, and 2024 in Bavaria.

The local veterinary office has declared the outbreak of this notifiable animal disease. Horse owners are advised to remain vigilant and to report any unusual symptoms in their horses to their local veterinarian.