The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System has confirmed equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a horse in Pincher Creek No. 9 in Alberta, Canada. 

On February 2, 2022, a positive equine infectious anemia (EIA) result was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) national reference laboratory for a horse located on a premises in Pincher Creek No. 9, Alberta. 

The horse had been tested by the CFIA at the owner’s request to fulfill an export requirement. No clinical signs were noted at the time of sampling. 

A CFIA investigation is underway and as per program policy, movement controls have been placed on the infected horse and any on-premises contact animals. Initial reports indicate there are several other equines on the affected premises. Movement controls will remain until all disease response activities have been completed, including follow-up testing and ordering the destruction of confirmed cases. 

Trace-out activities might require the CFIA to undertake actions at additional premises as outlined in the current policy. Improved biosecurity protocols have been strongly recommended to the owners to help control the ongoing spread of EIA and protect our national herd.

For more information read this EIA Fact Sheet.

Information for this report was provided by the Equine Disease Communication Center.