Equine Infectious Anaemia
Equine infectious anaemia virus
If you suspect you have found Equine Infectious Anaemia in New Zealand, call 0800 99 66.
Equine infection anaemia (EIA) is a disease of equids (horses, donkeys, and zebras) and is cause by equine infection anaemia virus, a member of the retrovirus family which includes the human immunodeficiency virus.
EIA is spread by biting insects of the Stomoxys genus (horse flies and deer flies). Typically, after an acute initial attack the disease runs a chronic course with recurrent fever, anaemia and wasting. The infection is permanent and infected animals usually die. Mortalities are sporadic and the disease tends to occur in localised areas where suitable vectors are common.
Horses are screened for EIA (Coggins test) and undergo quarantine before being allowed into New Zealand.
Impacts
EIA would have a negative impact on the health and welfare of both feral and domesticated equids. New Zealand is recognized as free from EIA and if found in NZ could effect trade in equids.
Distribution
EIA has been found worldwide.
Management
EIA is managed through testing and euthanasia of infected horses. Efforts to reduce the chance of flies spreading the disease are also undertaken.
Page last updated: 22 October 2008
