While most horses require treatment for at least three to four months, veterinarians agree that the sooner treatment begins, the better the chances for recovery. However, Sojka cautions that if a horse is treated for six to eight weeks without improvement, treatment probably will not be successful. However, not all horses return to 100 percent capacity. Once there has been nerve damage, it can't be repaired. Horses get it by mistake, Sojka says.
Possums acquire the disease by eating infected birds.
We see a lot of this disease in Indiana because of the possum population. Levy tested serum samples drawn for Coggins tests, a test for Equine Infectious Anemia that is required for the sale, interstate transportation, and entry of a horse in shows and other competitions. Even though a large percentage of Indiana's equine population may be exposed, the number of horses that actually develop the disease is much lower. To reduce the chances of exposure, grain and hay storage facilities should be kept as clean as possible. Sojka recommends putting grain in tight containers and keeping hay storage areas clean.