New Mexico EIA Mandate

On October 4, the New Mexico Racing Commission released a mandate related to Equine Infectious Anemia.

Signed by Ismael "Izzy" Trejo, the executive director of the NMRC, it reads:

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 Friday, October 11, 2024, it is mandatory that all horses shipping into either the Downs at Albuquerque or Zia Park must have proof of a negative Coggins test drawn within the previous thirty (30) days in order to gain entry.

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 the paperwork showing negative test results.

The procedures are necessary to protect the health and safety of the equine athletes which are the foundation of New Mexico's horseracing industry. The NMRC thanks its licensees for taking this matter seriously and for their cooperation and compliance.

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