WHAT IS EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA?
Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), also known by others as “Swamp Fever”, “Mountain Fever”, “Slow Fever”, "Equine Malarial Fever”, and “Coggins Disease” is a potentially fatal “sporadic” virus found in the equine population, which includes horses, donkeys, and mules. The virus has been found worldwide, and has existed in Canada since the 1800s; in 1971 it was named a reportable disease in Canada (meaning all suspected cases must be reported to the CFIA), and as such a national control program was implemented (Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture 2013). Despite its existence in Canada the occurrence of EIA in tested horses is very low (Canadian Food Inspection Agency 2013).
EIAV is not a zoonotic agent, meaning that it does not pose a risk to human health. Horses that overcome infection are life-long carriers of the virus and can be a source of infection for other animals. Those with confirmed cases of EIAV must either be euthanized or placed under strict lifelong quarantine (CFIA 2013).This fact alone means that EIAV is an extremely important virus for horse owners who import horses purchased outside of Canada, and those who travel with their own horses to places outside of and within the country.
Web site designed by Heidi Bjornson & Brittany Johnsgaard for VTMC 334
EIAV is not a zoonotic agent, meaning that it does not pose a risk to human health. Horses that overcome infection are life-long carriers of the virus and can be a source of infection for other animals. Those with confirmed cases of EIAV must either be euthanized or placed under strict lifelong quarantine (CFIA 2013).This fact alone means that EIAV is an extremely important virus for horse owners who import horses purchased outside of Canada, and those who travel with their own horses to places outside of and within the country.
Web site designed by Heidi Bjornson & Brittany Johnsgaard for VTMC 334
**DISCLAIMER** Information presented within this website was designed for the purpose of a university project and is not veterinary advice. Please contact your local veterinarian for any concerns regarding possible EIA in your horse.