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