EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA

​

Testing is the primary means of controlling the spread of this condition. The test to be used is called a coggins test. This test must be taken and performed by a CFIA accredited veterinarian (not an unaccredited veterinarian, technician or veterinary assistant). The test will take approximately 4-7 days to be returned. The test provides a positive result or a negative result. If negative, then the horse does not currently have antibodies to the virus and is considered uninfected. If positive, then the horse has antibodies indicating virus in their blood and the test would be reported to the CFIA as required by law. Information on the procedures for a positive EIA horse can be found at the end of this article.

Prevention is through fly control and limiting contact with infected horses. Biting flies are the main mode of transmission (black flies, horse flies and some mosquitos, gnats etc.). Other modes of transmission are re-used needles, blood to blood contact or semen. Fly spray, fly nets, fly sheets and good biosecurity are all means to prevent spread. Requiring a negative coggins test for any and all horse, mule, donkey that are on the property or entering your property is an excellent control means to maintain an EIA free stable.

Note that EIA carrier horses are possible - horses that have virus in their blood but do not express the clinical signs of disease. These horses are dangerous to the general horse population as they represent a silent pool of virus that will go on to infect other horses.

​COGGINS RESULTS: 

We have been having some questions about how the coggins results are returned/notified when they come back. All the coggins results are available electronically via email. We will send your results to you by email with a hard paper copy to follow in the coming weeks. You DO NOT need a follow up appointment just to receive the coggins results unless necessary. The government/lab does not require vets to book follow up appointments just to provide results. We wi...ll be working to ensure that the results are provided to our clients as quickly as they become available to us.

If any issues with your coggins results arise, we will contact you directly via the phone number on our file or on the coggins. Please ensure that you provide an up to date phone number and email address to our office to ensure you can receive your results as quickly as possible given all the current show/event requirements.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

​

Any further updates regarding control and prevention of the spread of EIA will be posted here in the future.

FACT SHEETS (USDA AND CFIA)

​

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a disease that threatens the world's horse, donkey and mule populations. Despite testing and measures to eradicate the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), more than 500 new cases are identified each year in the U.S. There is no cure for EIA. Although most infected horses show no symptoms, they remain contagious for life, endangering the health of other horses. For this reason, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, www.usda.gov ) and state animal health regulatory agencies require euthanasia or strict lifelong quarantine for horses testing positive for EIAV.

EIA EXPLAINED

Equine infectious anemia is a potentially fatal viral disease. EIAV reproduces in white blood cells that circulate throughout the body. The immune system, via antibodies, may attack and destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia. Inflammation associated with the viral infection may damage vital organs, such as bone marrow, liver, heart and kidney. Secondary infections (e.g. pneumonia) may occur due to subsequent immunosupression. EIAV-infected horses may die from the direct effects of the virus or from secondary infections. EIA generally has three forms:

• Acute: Seen within one to two weeks after the horse’s first exposure to the virus, this phase is the most detrimental. It may be difficult to accurately diagnose acutely infected horses, as antibodies are not immediately produced and anemia is not present at this stage. However, the virus is active, multiplying and damaging the immune system and other organ systems.

• Chronic: If the horse survives the acute phase, a subacute or chronic phase may occur. The classic signs of EIA, such as fever, depression, weight loss, anemia and petechial (pinpoint sized) hemorrhages on the mucous membranes, are most likely seen in this phase. Repeated flare-ups of clinical signs often occur. Such episodes are seen with recrudescence of the virus and viremia (virus present in the bloodstream) during periods of stress or the administration of corticosteriods. 

• Inapparent: Over time, the periodic episodes decrease in severity and frequency. Within a one-year period many horses begin to control the infection and show no clinical signs. These inapparent carriers are infected for life and may be a source of infection for other horses

​

EIAV is transmitted by blood or by in-utero passage from mare to foal. Blood transmission can occur via blood-sucking insects, such as horse flies, deer flies and mosquitoes. The virus is carried in the residual blood on the insect's mouthparts as it travels from one horse to the next. Transmission may also occur via blood transfusion or blood-contaminated needles and instruments. The virus may also be found in semen and milk. EIA is also known as "swamp fever" because the disease has been associated with warm, wet regions, but the disease is not limited by geography. States reporting the highest incidence of EIA (2001 data) include: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Mississippi, Minnesota, Michigan, Alabama and Florida.

​

EIA may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are not specific and may vary from horse to horse. Additionally, individuals may demonstrate no obvious signs (inapparent carriers). Signs may include one or more of the following:

• Fever (temperature may even exceed 105 degrees F)
• Depression
• Mucosal petechial hemorrhages
• Decreased platelet numbers (thrombocytopenia)
• Decreased red blood cell numbers (anemia)
• Swelling of legs, lower chest and abdomen (edema)
• Decreased appetite (anorexia)
• Fatigue, reduced stamina or weakness
• Rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Rapid weight loss
• Nasal bleeding (epistaxis)
• Pale or yellowish (icteric) mucous membranes
• Irregular heartbeat and/or weak pulse
• Colic
• Abortion

​

The only way to accurately determine whether a horse is infected with the EIA virus is by identifying antibodies in the blood via agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) or competitive enzyme linked immunoadsorbent assay (C-ELISA) tests. The AGID method is considered the “gold standard” and is commonly known as the Coggins test. This test was developed 25 years ago by veterinary researcher Dr. Leroy Coggins. A negative Coggins test means there are no detectable antibodies at the time of testing. A positive test indicates the horse is infected and a carrier of the virus. C-ELISA tests offer the advantage of rapid results. However, false-positive results are more common with the C-ELISA tests and positive results should be verified by a standard Coggins (AGID) test. Foals may be false positive due to maternal antibodies passed via colostrum for as long as six months with either test.

​

The USDA requires that horses being imported from foreign countries have a negative AGID EIAV test. Within the U.S., each state drafts its own specific requirements regarding EIAV and the movement of horses interstate, intrastate and in change of ownership. Learn what is required in your state and states you will be visiting. Be aware that laboratory results take time and plan to have your horse tested in time to get results before you must transport your horse. By law, EIA is a reportable disease. All positive cases must be filed with the state veterinarians and the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS, www.aphis.usda.gov).

There are management and geographic factors that put horses at greater risk for contracting EIA. These include:
• Close proximity to regions where EIA outbreaks have been identified.
• Stabling or pasture environments that have a steady influx of new horses, especially if negative Coggins certificates are not required.
• Exposure to horses at shows, sales or events, especially where stringent health care regulations are not enforced and verification of a current negative Coggins test is not required.
• Pasturing horses in swampy areas and in areas where all horses have not been regularly tested for EIA

.

There is no effective treatment for EIA. There is no vaccine to prevent it. There is no cure. However, good management can reduce the potential of infection. The following guidelines will help:
• Use disposable needles and syringes (one per horse) when administering vaccines and medications.
• Sterilize dental tools and other instruments before using them on another horse.
• Test all horses for EIA at least annually.
• Test horses at the time of purchase examination.
• Stable owners, horse show and event managers should require and verify current negative Coggins certificates for all horses entering the premises.
• New horses should be quarantined for 45 days and observed for any signs of illness, including elevated temperatures, before introducing them to the herd. They should be retested if exposure to EIA is suspected at a 45-day interval.
• All stable areas should be kept clean, dry and waste-free. Good pasture management techniques should also be practiced. Remove manure and provide adequate drainage to discourage breeding sites for pests.
• Horses that are at greater risk (such as animals who are in frequent contact with outside horses or who live or travel in geographic regions known for EIA outbreaks) should be tested more frequently, ideally every four to six months.

If your horse tests positive for EIAV, your options are extremely limited. Federal and state/Provincial health agencies, as well as the American Association of Equine Practitioners, support euthanasia as the most prudent, albeit emotionally difficult, option. Lifelong quarantine in a screened stall is another, less acceptable alternative. EIAV-positive horses will always pose an unnecessary health risk to other horses, whether or not they show signs of illness. Even in the best management situations, blood-sucking insects cannot be totally controlled or eliminated. The only way to eradicate the disease is to eliminate the carriers. Horses testing positive for EIAV are required by law to be permanently identified via branding or tattooing and be quarantined. Transportation and housing are severely restricted. You should contact your state animal health agency for specific requirements. Owners who choose quarantine must post signs clearly stating: "Quarantined: Equine Infectious Anemia" or "Swamp Fever." Horses should be quarantined at least 200 yards away from all other animals.

​

Stopping the spread of EIAV is everyone's responsibility. If you suspect a horse has EIA, call your veterinarian or state animal health agency immediately. They can assess the animal and initiate the required tests. Owner compliance with EIAV testing and the destruction of most known reactors has aided in a marked decline in EIA cases in the last 20 years. Today less than one percent of the 1 million horses tested annually are found to be carriers. But with an estimated 6.6 million horses in the U.S., more widespread screening is needed. Even backyard horses that never leave the property will benefit. By having your horse tested, you will be doing yourself and the entire equine industry a favor. The cost is minimal and the price well worth the peace of mind.

For more information, contact your veterinarian.

Courtesy AAEP publications 2016

Equine Infectious Anemia - Fact Sheet

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal viral disease affecting horses and other members of the equine family, such as donkeys and mules.
EIA-infected animals remain carriers of the virus for life and can be a source of infection for other animals

Is EIA a risk to human health?

No. There is no human health risk associated with EIA.

The incubation period is generally two to four weeks, but may range from one week to three months. Infected horses may show the following signs:
• anorexia;
• depression;
• general weakness;
• intermittent fever up to 41ºC;
• jaundice;
• small hemorrhages under the tongue and eye;
• swelling of the extremities; and
• weight loss.
In some cases, a loss of coordination may be the only clinical sign.
Foals infected prior to birth are often aborted, or die within two months of birth.
Many animals show temporary recovery from the severe stage of EIA and may even appear normal for two to three weeks before relapsing with similar, but less severe signs. Episodes of clinical illness are often associated with the use of steroid drugs or with periods of stress such as hard work, hot weather, racing or pregnancy.

EIA has a worldwide distribution. The disease has existed in Canada since the 1800s, and is considered to be a sporadic disease in the equine population. The occurrence of EIA in tested horses in Canada is extremely low.

Transmission of EIA occurs mainly through the transfer of contaminated blood from one animal to another. Insects such as horse flies, stable flies, and deer flies aid in the disease spread. Transmission may also occur when blood-contaminated objects (e.g., needles, syringes, or surgical instruments) are used on more than one animal.
EIA can also be transmitted through the semen of an infected stallion. Foals can be infected before birth.

A tentative diagnosis can be made based on clinical signs, but blood tests are necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

At this time there is no cure for EIA, nor is there a vaccine that will prevent an animal from becoming infected. Supportive therapy may alleviate clinical signs in individual cases, but it is critical to remember that infected equines serve as a reservoir of infection for other equines.
The control of the disease is based on voluntary testing by owners, identification and destruction or life-long quarantine of infected animals, mandatory testing of imported equines, and efforts to prevent the spread of the virus by controlling insect and mechanical vectors.

Equine owners can take the following precautions to reduce the risk of infection:
• use strict hygiene practices when vaccinating or collecting blood samples from equines;
• use disposable needles and syringes, and do not use the same needle on more than one equine;
• implement insect control measures;
• test equines as per equine industry standards (i.e., race tracks, shows, events, breeding stables, etc.) and whenever equines from different sources will intermingle;
• isolate all new equines until they have been tested for EIA;
• do not breed EIA-positive equines;
• abide by the national EIA control program; and
• consult your veterinarian if you suspect your equine may be infected with EIA.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) imposes strict regulations on the import of animals and animal products from countries where EIA is known to occur. These regulations are enforced through port-of-entry inspections done either by the Canada Border Services Agency or the CFIA.
EIA is a "reportable disease" under the Health of Animals Act. This means that all suspected cases must be reported to the CFIA.

The CFIA places movement restrictions on all premises on which EIA infected equines are found. The EIA-infected animals and EIA susceptible animals are quarantined and all equines on the premises are tested for the disease. Equines confirmed to be infected with EIA are either ordered destroyed or placed under permanent quarantine where possible.
Owners whose animals are ordered destroyed may be eligible for compensation.