Equine infectious anaemia (EIA)
Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) is an infectious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting the immune system of members of the Eqidae family, including horses, donkeys and mules. Most EIA-infected horses show no clinical signs of disease; however, they remain carriers of the virus for life and can be a source of infection for susceptible animals. In Canada, EIA is listed as a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Regulations. Accordingly, when EIA is suspected, it must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
How is EIA diagnosed?
A tentative diagnosis can be made based on clinical signs, but blood tests are necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Even carriers of the virus will yield a positive blood test. The agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, also known as the Coggins test, and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are the most commonly used testing methods for detection of antibodies against EIA. Because EIA is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Regulations, only CFIA veterinarians or CFIA-accredited veterinarians may request testing. Also, testing may only be performed in a CFIA laboratory or in CFIA-accredited laboratories.
What is the CFIA's national program for the control of EIA in horses?
EIA is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Regulations. This means that all suspected cases must be reported to the CFIA and all reported suspect cases are immediately investigated by Agency inspectors.
The CFIA's national program for the control of EIA in horses includes the following:
identification of EIA infected horses: EIA-negative certification is required for certain horse shows, sales, stables, race tracks, and other places where many horses are assembled; confirmation (re-testing) of positive reactors; quarantine of premises on which EIA-positive reactors are found; testing of all susceptible animals housed with the positive reactor and all horses in contact with the reactor within a 30-day period; destruction or permanent isolation of EIA-positive animals;
monetary compensation for horses ordered destroyed by the CFIA; mandatory testing of imported horses; and,
horses imported into Canada must test negative for EIA.
BioCheck offers rapid turnaround time for your EIA testing requirments and is a federally accredited testing facility.