An accredited veterinarian tested the horse at the owner’s request because it was exhibiting clinical signs consistent with EIA. Improved biosecurity measures have been recommended to owners to aid in controlling the spread of EIA and protect the national herd.

CFIA is investigating and movement restrictions have been enacted on the affected horse and any horses that came into contact with it, including horses reportedly on the affected premises. Movement restrictions will be lifted when all disease response protocols are complete, including follow-up testing and destruction of confirmed cases. CFIA might take actions at other premises if warranted by trace-out activities.

About EIA

Equine infectious anemia is a viral disease that attacks horses’ immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.

A Coggins test screens horses’ blood for antibodies that are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.

Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease, but those that do can exhibit:

• Progressive condition loss;
• Muscle weakness;
• Poor stamina;
• Fever;
• Depression; and
• Anemia.

EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.