Cases of Equine Infectious Anemia in Alberta
As of December 6th, 2021, 87 cases of EIA have been detected on 15 premises, located in 10 different counties or municipalities (Athabasca, Big Lakes, Bonnyville, Foothills, Grande Prairie, Lac Ste. Anne, Opportunity, Parkland, Smoky Lake, and Sturgeon). The Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian is electing to notify all owners of horses registered in Alberta’s PID system by email to increase horse owner awareness.
For more current information, new cases are generally available on the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Systems (CAHSS) equine disease dashboard within 2 to 3 weeks of detection by CFIA. A link to the dashboard can be found at the CAHSS equine network page at https://cahss.ca/cahss-networks/equine
Equine infectious anemia case in Alberta, November 26, 2021
On November 26, 2021, positive equine infectious anemia (EIA) results were confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) national reference laboratory for two horses located on a premises...
Equine influenza in Alberta, November, 2021
Equine influenza has been diagnosed in several Standardbred racehorses at a racetrack in Edmonton, Alberta.
Equine infectious anemia case in Alberta, November 12, 2021
On November 12, 2021, positive equine infectious anemia (EIA) results were confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) national reference laboratory for a horse located on a premises in Parkland County, Alberta.
More information can be found on the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) Equine Diseases Dashboard or through the Disease Alerts Tool.
For more information on EIA go to https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Outside%20Linked%20Documents/DiseaseFactsheet_EIA%20Cobranded.pdf;
More information can be found on the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) Equine Diseases Dashboard or through the Disease Alerts Tool.
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EIA, also known as “swamp fever,” is a viral disease of horses and other equids (i.e. donkeys, mules, and zebras) that causes recurrent episodes of fever, lethargy and destruction of red blood cells (anemia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia).
Most EIA-infected horses show no clinical signs of disease; however, they remain carriers of the virus for life and can be a source of infection for susceptible animals.
In Canada, EIA is listed as a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. Accordingly, when EIA is suspected, it must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
With neither cure nor vaccine in existence, veterinarians and researchers must supervise the equine infectious anemia virus closely to avoid widespread disease
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Equine infectious anemia (EIA)
Accredited Veterinarian's Manual - 8.4 Equine Infectious Anemia (Updated June 2018)
Equine Infectious Anemia Disease Control Program - A Report on the Recommendations of the EIA Program Working Group
Federally Reportable Diseases for Terrestrial Animals in Canada
Animal Health Compensation - What to expect when an animal is ordered destroyed
Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS)
Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
Horse Journals - Understanding the Threat of EIA
Other Resources
Equine Guelph - Fight Against Equine Infectious Disease Helped by Equine Foundation of Canada
SK Horse Federation - EIA in Saskatchewan, Key Facts about Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)
The Veterinary Journal - Serologically silent, occult equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) infections in horses
The Veterinary Journal - Examining the stable door after the horse has bolted: Why is EIA such a challenge?
US Equine Disease Communication Center - CURRENT EQUINE DISEASE OUTBREAK ALERTS
US Department of Agriculture - Equine Infectious Anemia Surveillance Information
Equine Veterinary Journal - Equine infectious anaemia in Europe: Time to re-examine the efficacy of monitoring and control protocols?
Equine infectious anaemia and mechanical transmission: man and the wee beasties
Equine Infectious Anemia in 2014: Live with It or Eradicate It?
Worms & Germs Blog, promoting safe pet ownership - Equine Infectious Anemia: New info sheet