The Canadian Food Inspection Agency that oversees reportable animal diseases in Canada is reporting higher than usual numbers of horses infected with Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). As of August 10, 2012, more than 70 horses were affected on 22 different properties.
EIA virus constantly present in horse population
Cases of Equine Infectious Anemia continue to be detected in Western Canada, particularly in the northern parts of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as in Yukon.
Although Canada's control program for equine infectious anemia (EIA) has made significant progress in reducing the prevalence of the disease in Canada, EIA continues to be detected in Western Canada, particularly in the northern parts of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as in Yukon.
Horse owners and owners of properties where horses co-mingle should take measures to protect their animals - particularly if they are purchasing or receiving animals from the areas mentioned above.
The CFIA, in collaboration with provinces, territories and horse industry, conducts surveillance for EIA through the national EIA Control Program. Under the program, horse owners voluntarily have their animals tested for the disease.
EIA is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Regulations. This means that all suspected cases must be reported to the CFIA.
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal viral disease that is constantly present, to some degree, in the Canadian equine population. All individuals involved in the Canadian horse industry should be vigilant about monitoring and testing for EIA, commonly referred to as “swamp fever.”
At this time there is no cure for EIA, nor is there a vaccine that will prevent an animal from becoming infected. However, the EIA test is consistently reliable in detecting the presence of antibodies regardless of whether the infection is acute, chronic or unapparent.
Horses should be tested whenever there is potential for them to be cohabitating and intermingling with other horses. This includes, but is not limited to, boarding and breeding stables, race tracks, horse shows and other events where horses come together for competitive or recreational purposes.
Equine Canada strongly recommends that all horse owners have their horses tested regularly for EIA. Proof of a negative EIA test is an entry requirement for many competitions, and other activities involving the movement and co-mingling of horses including border crossings.