PREVENTION & CONTROL
One major obstacle to the control of equine infectious anemia virus is the lack of treatment or vaccination for infected horses (CFIA 2012, Merck Veterinary Manual 2012). This presents a problem because horses infected with the virus are the only known source of infection for other horses. Due to this fact horses that have the virus should be kept at least 200 meters from other horses. There is one exception to this rule, and that is where a seropositive mare has a foal at side. Foals are found to passively gain maternal antibodies to EIAV from the mare’s colostrum. However, this passive protection only lasts approximately 6-8 months (possibly up to 12 months) before the maternal antibodies in the foal are undetectable on agar gel immuno-diffusion (AGID) tests (Merck Veterinary Manual 2012).
Control of EIAV is based on owners voluntarily getting their horse(s) tested, destroying or quarantining (lifelong) infected horses, mandatory testing of imported equines, and preventing the spread of the virus by controlling any insect/mechanical vectors (CFIA 2012). Strict regulations, enforced through port-of-entry inspections by Canada Border Services Agency or the CFIA, are placed by the CFIA on importation of animals that are coming from countries known to be affected by EIAV. To help with controlling the disease the CFIA has also implemented the “EIA Control Program” which is based on internationally recognized disease control standards, knowledge of the disease, and methods of diagnosis (CFIA 2012).
The EIA Control Program consists of 2 components:
In the case where positive horses are identified on a premise, the CFIA must be notified and control measures must be undertaken. Movement restrictions are placed, positive animals are quarantined, and all other equines (on the premise and those in contact with the infected within the last 30 days) are to be tested for the virus. Movement of animals off the premise is not allowed until a negative test has been confirmed. All animal confirmed positive and showing signs are euthanized, those positive and without signs are ordered euthanized (in this case CFIA compensates up to $2000/animal) or placed in permanent quarantine (CFIA 2012).
An extremely important component of this program is the voluntary surveillance testing done by horse owners. Along with this testing, owners should also actively follow specific precautions to help reduce the risk of infection in their horse(s) (CFIA 2012):
- in contact with other horses (shows, tracks, events, breeding stables, pastures, etc.)
Control of EIAV is based on owners voluntarily getting their horse(s) tested, destroying or quarantining (lifelong) infected horses, mandatory testing of imported equines, and preventing the spread of the virus by controlling any insect/mechanical vectors (CFIA 2012). Strict regulations, enforced through port-of-entry inspections by Canada Border Services Agency or the CFIA, are placed by the CFIA on importation of animals that are coming from countries known to be affected by EIAV. To help with controlling the disease the CFIA has also implemented the “EIA Control Program” which is based on internationally recognized disease control standards, knowledge of the disease, and methods of diagnosis (CFIA 2012).
The EIA Control Program consists of 2 components:
- Equine owners who are undergoing movement (i.e. to shows, etc.) must voluntarily pay to get their horses tested by a private veterinary practitioner and EIA private laboratories accredited by the CFIA for that purpose.
- The CFIA is responsible for a mandatory response
In the case where positive horses are identified on a premise, the CFIA must be notified and control measures must be undertaken. Movement restrictions are placed, positive animals are quarantined, and all other equines (on the premise and those in contact with the infected within the last 30 days) are to be tested for the virus. Movement of animals off the premise is not allowed until a negative test has been confirmed. All animal confirmed positive and showing signs are euthanized, those positive and without signs are ordered euthanized (in this case CFIA compensates up to $2000/animal) or placed in permanent quarantine (CFIA 2012).
An extremely important component of this program is the voluntary surveillance testing done by horse owners. Along with this testing, owners should also actively follow specific precautions to help reduce the risk of infection in their horse(s) (CFIA 2012):
- Practice strict hygiene with vaccinations or blood collections
- Utilize disposable needles and syringes; use a new one on each horse
- Control insects on the premise
- Get your horse(s) tested as per CFIA’s “EIA Control Program” anytime your horses is:
- in contact with other horses (shows, tracks, events, breeding stables, pastures, etc.)
- Implement a quarantine period for any new equine(s) brought onto the premise to watch for signs of EIAV before introduction to current herd, or demand testing to ensure negative disease status
- Avoid breeding horses infected with EIAV
- Consult your veterinarian if you think there may be a case of EIAV on your farm