Equine infectious anaemia

Description

Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) is a bloodborne disease caused by a horse specific lentivirus in the retrovirus family. It is transmitted by insects (horseflies, deer flies and stable flies).

EIA can manifest as an asymptomatic infection or as an acute or chronic disease. Acute signs may range from transient inappetance and mild thrombocytopaenia that may go undetected, to marked fever, weakness, severe anaemia, jaundice, tachypnoea and petechial haemorrhages of mucosae. Noticeable chronic signs include recurring bouts of fever accompanied with anaemia, marked thrombocytopaenia, depression, weight loss and dependent oedema.

There is no treatment or vaccine available for EIA. Iatrogenic infection is prevented via good hygiene and disinfection practices involving needles, syringes and equipment.

EIA was first noted in Australia in 1959 and is endemic along the inland rivers of central and western Queensland. The disease is rare in other parts of Australia and has never been reported in Tasmania or South Australia.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is supported by clinical signs. haematology, serology and histopathology. A positive AGID is conclusive evidence of EIA, however the AGID may occasionally be negative early in the disease course.

Tests available

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² Confirmatory testing may affect turnaround time.

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Additional Information