The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System reported a confirmed cast of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Ponoka County, Alberta. The horse was tested through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA).
The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported that the horse had been tested by an accredited veterinarian at the owner’s request to fulfill a requirement prior to being exported to the U.S. 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 indicated there were 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.
Information for this report was provided by the Equine Disease Communication Center.
