On June 23, 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 the Municipal District of Bonnyville, Alberta.
The horse had been tested by an accredited veterinarian at the owner’s request because it was exhibiting clinical signs compatible with EIA infection. For humane reasons it had to be euthanized shortly after sampling due to its rapidly deteriorating condition.
The horse had been adopted earlier in the year and had been at the new location for several months.
A CFIA investigation is underway and movement controls were placed on the on-premises contact animals as per program policy. Initial reports indicate there are 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.
Information for this report was provided by the Equine Disease Communication Center.
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