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Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

EIA, also known as “swamp fever,” is a viral disease of horses and other equids

For more current information, new cases are generally available on the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Systems (CAHSS) equine disease dashboard within 2 to 3 weeks of detection by CFIA. More information can be found on the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) Equine Diseases Dashboard or through the Disease Alerts Tool.

For more information on EIA go to https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Outside%20Linked%20Documents/DiseaseFactsheet_EIA%20Cobranded.pdf;

EIA, also known as “swamp fever,” is a viral disease of horses and other equids (i.e. donkeys, mules, and zebras) that causes recurrent episodes of fever, lethargy and destruction of red blood cells (anemia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia).

Most EIA-infected horses show no clinical signs of disease; however, they remain carriers of the virus for life and can be a source of infection for susceptible animals.

In Canada, EIA is listed as a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. Accordingly, when EIA is suspected, it must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

With neither cure nor vaccine in existence, veterinarians and ­researchers must supervise the equine infectious anemia virus ­closely to avoid widespread disease

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS)

Alberta Veterinary Medical Association 

Other Resources