Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2010 | Page 69
February/March 2010
EQUESTRIAN - Sponsored by Brickfields and Froghill Tack
life
• Depression • Loss of co-ordination • Ataxia (rigidity of the
muscles) • Pinpoint haemorrhages of conjunctiva and mucous
membranes • Rapid weight loss • Lack of appetite • Bloody
diarrhoea • Skin swelling, in particular of the abdomen and legs
• Anaemia • Jaundice • In some cases the horse may suddenly
die
Chronic infection of EIA often results in the following
clinical signs, interspersed with periods of good health:
• Recurring bouts of fever • Depression • Anaemia • Weightloss
• Weakness • Lethargy
Veterinary authorities strongly advise that any horse showing
signs of severe, unexplained anaemia should be isolated and
tested as soon as possible for EIA.
Transmission
The transmission of the EIAV is via the transfer of infected blood
or blood products to an uninfected susceptible animal. This
can occur in a number of different ways, but the main transfer
routes include:
• Biting insects • Contaminated veterinary or dental equipment.
• Equipment contaminated by blood which poses a risk of
transferring the disease. • Administration of infected blood
products • Via infected mares to their un-born foal via the
placenta.• Via virus-contaminated colostrum or milk in newborn
foals.• Via a symptomatic stallion covering mares is uncommon
but still a potential risk of infection.
before they are sent to stud, to ensure they are free from
diseases including EIA. Stallions and teasers should also be
tested to ensure they remain free from disease.
Further Information
For further information a copy of the HBLB Code of Practice is
available upon request from the Welfare Department welfare@
bhs.org.uk
Notification Procedures
In the UK, EIA is listed as a notifiable disease by law under
a number of European Orders. This means that any horse
suspected to be infected with EIA must be reported to the
appropriate Divisional Veterinary Manager (DVM) of Defra.
Control of Infection
The detection of infected animals is paramount in preventing
the transmission of infection to other horses. Other important
measures include insect vector control, avoiding high risk
procedures and the prompt euthanasia of confirmed EIA infected
animals.
Treatment
Currently there is no effective treatment for any form of EIA.
Until the presence of the disease has been confirmed by blood
samples using the Coggins test (laboratory test used to detect
antibodies to EIA in infected horses), supportive veterinary
treatment can be administered to ease the clinical signs
associated with the infection. Under European regulations, a
positive result will require compulsory slaughter of an infected
animal.
Prevention
No vaccine is currently available to prevent EIA. The main
method of prevention is the identification and control of
infected horses. Studs often require mares to be blood tested
Visit our new website - www.visitislandlife.com
69